5 Quick Ways to Bust Out of a Winter Funk
| 2 min read
Everyone has off days now and then. It’s human nature to feel a little down in the dumps or have a day where you just can’t figure out what’s wrong—especially during the cold, dreary months of winter. Well guess what: You don’t have to just sit there and feel blah! The actions you take and your mindset both play an important role in breaking yourself out of a funk. Here are a few tricks to help you snap out of it:
Eat a mood-boosting food. While you might want to reach for unhealthy comfort dishes like pizza or a pint of ice cream, trying grabbing a mood-boosting food like berries, walnuts or seafood.
Make someone else’s day. Focusing too much on your own issues can cause loads of stress and keep you down. Instead, focus on helping a friend, family member or even complete stranger. Pay for someone’s coffee behind you in line, leave a positive note on the desk of a coworker or simply smile and hold the door open for stranger. These random acts of giving generate activity in the the part of your brain that is related to pleasure rewards, brightening your day
Dance to your favorite tunes. Whether you like to rock out to heavy metal or lose yourself to Stevie Wonder, dancing offers an array of health benefits that can get you back to your normal self. Dancing creates endorphins in your brain, increases your positivity and helps build your self-confidence and self-esteem—the emotions that really take a hit when you’re in a funk.
Get social. It might surprise you, but hanging out with others can make your problems seem less dramatic. Go out with your coworkers after work or simply meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee. Having a social support network can give you a sense of belonging and increase your sense of self-worth.
Go somewhere you’ve never been. Opening up your mind to a new experience can be a real spirit-lifter. Visit a new museum, hike in one of Michigan’s many parks or even try a new restaurant. There are plenty of new experiences in Michigan that can help you feel like the normal you!
If you’re looking for other ways to stay upbeat until spring comes, check out these posts:
Photo credit: Joann Goldby
