5 Ways to get out of a funk this Autumn

When the days start to blur together and you find yourself in a constant loop with your routine, stepping outside of it to find motivation can be challenging. Feeling in a funk can seem permanent, but it doesn’t have to be—there are many activities to try, places to explore, and things to create. Life gets busy with work, chores, and self-care, and before you know it, months can p ass without doing the things you once enjoyed, like going for a run, hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite movie.

On the other hand, you might not feel like yourself. Life can feel overwhelming, and when things aren’t going your way, you may feel stuck. A funky mood can linger for days, weeks, or even months if you don’t pay attention to your feelings. Even if you recognize that you’re in a funk, you might find it difficult to break free. That’s why it’s crucial to reset. While the feeling won’t disappear overnight, there are steps you can take to stimulate your brain and incorporate new activities into your routine.

Stimulate Your Brain with a Puzzle, Book, or Coloring

Starting a puzzle or setting aside time to color can relieve stress, boost productivity, and increase dopamine levels. Completing small tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve your mood almost immediately. When you’re feeling down, you don’t need to tackle difficult activities. Simple tasks like reading, coloring, or finishing a puzzle can distract you from your feelings, even if just for a little while. Begin with a beginner puzzle of 50 pieces or a coloring page that isn’t overly detailed to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you start to feel better, challenge yourself with puzzles of 80, 100, or even 200 pieces. 

Go for a Walk or Hike

While you can’t walk off your problems, spending time outdoors can help calm your mind. Challenge yourself with a new hike and listen to a podcast, music, or a meditation session to refresh your brain. If you prefer to enjoy the silence, pick a color and see how many items you can find in that color, taking photos as you go. This practice can help you connect with nature and your surroundings. Pay attention to how you feel before and after your walk, and consider journaling those feelings to track any changes. Aim to walk two to three times a week before sunset. 

Clean Your Space

Cleaning your room might seem cliché as a remedy for a funk, but it truly works wonders. An overwhelmed mind can lead to a cluttered environment. Whether you live with your parents or on your own, take a moment to assess your space. Are there piles of clothes on the chair, water bottles on the floor, or an unmade bed? If you live alone, check your kitchen sink for dirty dishes or the counter for clutter. Tackling the mess can help clear your mind. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. By the end, you’ll have a tidier space and hopefully a slightly clearer mind.

Start a New Hobby

Social media platforms like TikTok feature incredibly talented individuals who sew, draw, crochet and make jewelry. You might have thought, “I wish I could do that,” but often, those thoughts remain just that—thoughts. This time, challenge yourself to start a new hobby. Whether it’s journaling, making friendship bracelets, knitting, or baking, choose something enjoyable. Dedicate 15 to 20 minutes every few days to your new hobby. Over time, you’ll start to look forward to it, and it can provide a welcome break from your routine.

Create a Vision Board

Keeping track of your long-term goals is vital, but when you’re stuck in a rut and lose interest in things you once loved, it’s time to shift your perspective. Consider a few short-term goals that differ from your long-term ambitions to add something new to your life. Many people enjoy creating vision boards in January to set goals for the year, but it’s perfectly fine to make new boards weekly or monthly to stay motivated. You can use Pinterest for inspiration or get creative by drawing or cutting out images from magazines and assembling them on a piece of cardboard or printer paper. Your vision board doesn’t need to be perfect or extravagant; it should reflect what is meaningful to you. Regularly revisit your board, acknowledge your accomplishments, and celebrate your wins. If you don’t meet all your goals, simply transfer them to your vision board for the next week or month.