From time to time I find myself getting sucked into a rut of lethargy and general funkiness. These are the days when I am most likely to stand infront of the open refrigerator and try to cure my ill ease with a snack, or three. During these times my to-do list feels weightier and my self talk takes a negative turn. Maybe this sounds familiar to you. Unfortunately I happen to find myself in one of these ruts right now.
The hardest part about being in a funk is identifying it. Wallowing can get comfortable very quickly making constructive thinking difficult. It can take a few days or even weeks to identify a rut. Currently I am experiencing a few key symptoms:
- I am running out of unwatched shows in my television queue.
- I am about to tape my mouth shut to keep from eating every sweet or carbohydrate laden food in the house.
- I am inventing tasks to make me feel productive that prevent me from working on my to-do list.
- I am watching deadlines approach without taking action to finish the work they require.
- I have memorized my Pinterest Feed, thus increasing my cravings for “bad” foods.
Now that I have identified my funk I need to take some action to get up and out of it. I don’t expect to be restored to my normal motivated self for a few more days but here is my plan of action.
- Declare the problem. “I am in a funk and it is my job to get out of it.”
- Get moving. I can continue watching t.v. but an hour of it must take place at a brisk pace on the treadmill. Watching t.v. on the treadmill also keeps me occupied through the worst of my cravings.
- Hydrate. It is common for our bodies to mistake thirst for hunger. When this happens we go after unhealthy snacks when we should just grab a glass (or two) of water.
- Be extra aware of my diet. Cravings may also mean I am not eating a balanced menu. I am taking extra care to put additional fruits and veggies on my plate at all meals and snacks. I planned a menu for the week so I spend less time thinking about food.
- Pick one task on the to-do list and focus until it is complete. The longer I avoid my tasks the bigger and more insurmountable they feel. Completing even the smallest bullet item on my list helps me rebuild momentum and gets me back on track.
Finally, I am really enjoying the weather. Playful snow flurries all day yesterday and glorious sunshine today. It is always easier to get back on track when the sky is a cheerful shade of blue.
How do you help yourself get out of a funk, rut, or period of malaise?
Exercise normally works for me. The treadmill is where I do most of it during the winter but if I can, and the roads are free of ice, I try to get outside for my walks. Nothing beats that sunshine! Even if it’s 20 degrees outside.
Agreed I would always rather be out and about on a sunny day.
I tend to get in ruts too. Love your suggestions for pulling yourself out of a rut. Proble is it’s so hard to find the motivation to do anything during those times. Hate when making even simple decisions seem like monumental tasks.
You are so right. That is why I try to pick one small thing to begin and go from there.
Any sore of a good sweat session.. especially yoga and even though I hate it, cardio (especially boxing)! Other than that, getting out of my element.. going to a park or museum, someplace that force me to appreciate beauty.
I will say we’re opposite in Texas.. I love a good rainy day!
You can take the girl out of Seattle…
Having an out of the ordinary experience is a great suggestion.