Have you been feeling down and a bit “blah” lately? Whether you’re tired, unmotivated, or even feeling depressed, it’s relatively common to find yourself in a funk from time to time. The blues are a normal part of life, but these feelings don’t have to be permanent.
Give Yourself a Boost When You’re Feeling the Funk
When you’re feeling low and need a mental health boost, these tips can help you find your energy and drive again.
Start by Focusing on Your Diet
The foods you eat have one of the biggest impacts on your body. Too much of the wrong thing can leave you feeling pretty bad. For starters, take steps to limit or avoid foods that tend to lead to inflammation, fatigue, and even anxiety or depression symptoms. These include:
- Foods that are high in sugar, especially added and refined sugar
- Simple carbs that are easy to digest and act more like sugar in the body, such as white rice or white bread
- Fried foods or options that are high in saturated fats
- Packaged, processed, or fast food
Instead, focus on filling your plate with a wide variety of produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Taking a daily multivitamin can also help you get more of the nutrients your body needs to support overall health and wellness. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well.
Get Some Good Sleep
It’s probably not surprising to hear that most adults don’t get enough sleep. While experts recommend anywhere between six and eight hours at a minimum, others may require more. If you aren’t sleeping enough or sleeping through the night, take steps to make this happen by setting limits on caffeine and screen time, setting up the ideal sleep environment, and unwinding with a calming activity before bed. Better sleep can give you more energy and help improve your mood.
Pump Up the Exercise
Exercise is a key factor in feeling your best, so make sure you commit to getting in a good workout on a routine basis. If making time for a more intense activity is difficult for you, just start by committing to walking 30 minutes a day, every day. This can help you build endurance and energy, release feel-good endorphins, relieve chronic pain, and keep your body’s systems functioning properly. Over time, incorporate stretching and strength training at least twice a week and aim to elevate your heart rate to improve your cardiovascular health.
Get Inspired and Try Something New
When you’re in a funk, it could be because it’s time to switch up your normal routine. Many people still have to commit a lot of time to work and family responsibilities, but there’s always time to learn something new. Try a new recipe, take an art or music class, or give a new type of workout a try. Visit a new area or restaurant in your city the next time you’re free. Changing things up just a little can help break up the monotony and restore some much-needed joy.
Spend More Time Outdoors
Being in nature can really do wonders to improve your mood and decrease your stress levels. Gardening or exercising outside can help you care for your body while enjoying some fresh air. However, it can still be beneficial just to take a casual stroll, visit a nearby park, or simply enjoy the view by sitting under the stars in your own backyard.
Talk To Someone Who Can Help
Anxiety, fatigue, sadness, stress, and even anger are normal from time to time. However, if you’re feeling down and the slump doesn’t seem to get better, even when you take steps to try and care for yourself, it may be time to talk with a professional. See your doctor or talk with a therapist who can help you get to the root of your symptoms while helping you find healthy and positive ways to deal with them.
When you’re in a funk, it’s more important than ever to practice some self-care. Just a few small changes can make a big difference and help you feel more like yourself again.
About the Writer: Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health and fitness. She also developed a passion for traveling during her college years. Today she spends most of her time writing about the things she loves.
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