5 Tips ~ How to Get Yourself Out of a Funk

When I wake up in a bad mood, I try not to stay in one. Learn to make the best of what you have.
~ Faith Hill ~

You're Stuck.
You're not Motivated.
You're not Inspired.
You're in a Bad Mood
​....but WHY?

It is completely normal to be in a bad mood every now and then. We all have ups and downs; the key is knowing how to pick yourself back up when you're not feeling happy. Let's talk about a topic that many are afraid to talk about: Being in a bad mood or funk.

If you notice that you just can't snap out of your funk for a few days straight, try these 5 tips to help shake your bad mood or funk right off:

1. Laugh
   ​​Laughter is a universal form of communication and an easy way to get happier. It reduces stress and tension, releases endorphins into our body and increases joy, causing us to break free from a funk. You can pretty much guarantee laughter by surrounding yourself with other happy people. The more you're around other people who laugh, the more you'll laugh. Need to laugh right away? YouTube is the best place I've found to go for a good chuckle. Search animal videos and take your pick! Life is just better when you're laughing.
2. Be Around People 
   This is your wake up call: Change out of your pajamas, get out of the house and go hang out with a friend. According to Concordia University, people with a wide network of friends are less stressed and have less tension. Major bonus points if you give your friends a big hug when you see them!  Hugging someone releases oxytocin (also known as "the cuddle hormone"), making us feel better.  
3. Exercise 
   Did you know that a 10 minute walk increases happiness? Researchers at Cal State Long Beach found that there was a clear and strong relationship between the number of steps people took and their overall mood and energy level. Too cold outside to walk? Try doing yoga or a dance class inside to get your endorphins going. According to Happify, exercise has the most powerful effect on our mental state when we're in a bad mood and has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety.
4. Journal
   Improve your mood by getting out a notebook and writing down what's on your mind. Journaling dates back to at least 10th century Japan and is known as a great way to reduce stress, solve problems and let go of something you’ve been holding onto. If you don't know where to start with journaling, just write down 3 things you're grateful for. You can't be unhappy when you're actively thinking and writing about everything you're grateful for in your life. It is surprising how effective just putting pen to paper can really be.
5. Declutter
   You've probably heard by now about the famous book "The Life Changing Method of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo on decluttering and joy. The idea behind her book is to pick up things you own (like your clothing, for example) and ask yourself if the object brings you joy. Keep what brings you joy and get rid of what doesn't bring you joy. 
   
   While the actual act of cleaning doesn't make us happier, organized and tidy spaces have been proven to reduce stress and improve happiness. Start small and clean for just 15 minutes. Think about the most messy place in your house right now and start getting rid of what doesn't bring you joy. All it takes is a little bit of time spent cleaning to start seeing the mental health benefits!

I hope you'll think of these tips the next time you're in a bit of a funk. 

​XO ~ Kelli

OVER TO YOU:
​
Which one of these 5 tips do you think you would most likely turn to when you're feeling down?
​Do you have a go-to tip that helps with getting out of a funk or bad mood?

I would love to hear how you deal with being in a funk or bad mood....share in the comments below.

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​Guest Contributor Bio: 

Kelli Pease is a writer for the Happsters and ClubConnect. She has created a happiness community of over 90,000 people. She spends her free time learning everything she can about mindfulness, wellness and happiness, drawing, hand-lettering, hosting community gatherings and taking beach walks with friends and family.