Here’s a news flash.  There will be a time you get down.  Regardless of how “happy go lucky” a person appears to be, they will have time when they feel off their game.  It happens to all of us.  It certainly happens to me.

And one of the most frustrating parts of this for me is that I know it.  I know and understand that I am “in a funk,” but I can’t seem to snap out of it.  That creates an ironic downward circle as I get even more down because I am down (and to be candid, I am too blessed to be down).  I find myself extremely frustrated by the fact that I can’t seem to “think positively” and get myself out of it.  And the cycle continues.

When I find myself in these seasons, I know I need to change something.  So here are 7 ways to snap out of a funk.

Change My Input

The fact is, most of the world is negative.  Studies will tell you that nearly 90% of what you interact with each day is frustratingly negative.  If you are not careful, that will completely overtake your mindset.  When I am in a funk, I work to intentionally input new videos, podcasts, and audiobooks (especially at the beginning of the day) into my brain.  It helps to reset my mindset at the perfect part of the day.

Change My Surroundings

In a world where so many of us work from home, a rut can be a reality.  What can you do to spice up your surroundings?  There are plenty of opportunities.  Maybe it’s to go to a coffee shop and work.  Or it might be to rent a different workspace and get around people.  Obviously, it depends on your personality, but I find there is an energy that comes from being around and engaging with the right people.  And if you are currently engaging with the wrong people, this might be step one.

Lean Into Action

Constantly grinding and being frustrated by a problem can really be maddening.  Often we just think and think and think…until the challenge seems hopeless.  At that moment, it might be time to just rip up the carpet.  Just lean in and do something.  Anything.  Going from overanalyzing to taking action can really help to reset your mindset…and help you feel like you have accomplished something.

Create A New Goal List

What are you really excited about?  Is there something that you have in front of you that inspires you to get out of bed each day?  If the answer is no, we may have found your issue.  Take the time to create a list of goals or projects that get you fired up.  Having a life with a purpose (or simply reconnecting with the mission) can be a powerful motivator.

And if you are an achiever, please understand that after you accomplish a goal can be a tricky time.  Yes, you might be proud of that accomplishment, but that can wear off quickly.  If you are not careful, you can fall into a funk because you are missing that goal in your life.

Take a Trip

Sometimes it’s important to completely reset.  For me, this can happen when I get “the hell out of Dodge.”  I love where I live.  You know that.  I talk about it all of the time.  But sometimes I need to leave in order to recharge and regain perspective.  This doesn’t have to be an expensive road trip.  Just getting out of your current location can help to get you back on track.

Exercise

This doesn’t mean you have to train for a half-marathon.  But it does mean that you are raising your heart rate and getting your blood flowing on a regular basis.  It’s not about getting six-pack abs.  It’s about improving blood flow to your brain.  Science tells us that when we do this, it improves our brain function, helps us deal with stress, and allows us to think more creatively.  Oh…and it can make you feel a bit better about yourself…so there’s that too.

Do A Gratitude Exercise

And speaking of exercise here is one that really does help your perspective.  Spend a bit of time at the beginning or end of the day really considering all you have to be thankful for.  This is not a one-time exercise.  It’s important to do it often.  I talk about doing it in the first 60 seconds of the day to reset my frame of mind for the day at hand.

This is not an exhaustive list.  But these 7 things help me to get out of a funk and get back on track.  My hope is that they will help you too!

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing.  Make sure you never miss an update.  Get on this HMC VIP email list.    Sign up to be an HMC VIP here.