When I am feeling in a funk, like I just don’t want to do anything, I’m sad or overwhelmed, I find I need to do something quick to snap out of it. There are lots of things that I have found are quick easy ways to get myself out of a bad mood and settle right back into feeling happy and comfortable again, without spending a dime and often in 15 minutes or less.
Declutter - whether it’s a room, my whole house, or my car – a quick scramble through the house putting everything where it belongs, or just clearing off my desk or cleaning out my car can return me to a mellow place
Go for a walk - gather up the kids, dogs, whoever and get outside for some fresh air. It’ll do you some good and probably the kids and dogs too!
Rearrange a room – Add some freshness to your space by moving some things around – even just a new placement for a chair or table can make a room feel fresh and new and improve your spirits too.
Call a friend – there’s nothing like a good laugh or cry if necessary to pull me out of a funk. Sometimes just connecting with someone in that way can make me feel less isolated and back in great spirits
Decorate with flowers - preferrably you don’t have to climb your fence and cut them out of your neighbor’s garden to do this. Even if you do have to spend a dollar or two on clearance flowers at your supermarket – knock yourself out. Fresh flowers on your table are a sure way to brighten a dreary day.
Take a bath – even if just a 10-15 minute getaway at the end of the day, it’s a fabulous way to unwind, especially if paired with candles and a glass of wine.
Read a book or magazine – even if it’s one I’ve already read, the little escape flipping through the pages of a magazine mindlessly or diving into a favorite book is a sure way to release tension and leave me feeling ready to plug back in to the world.
What do you do to unwind and get out of a funk when you’re in one? I’d love to hear other ideas!
Those sound like great ideas! Something quick I did periodically today was take 4-5 deep breaths. It’s a good way to quiet down a little bit if you don’t have as much time.
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I can relate to the decluttering. I find that if my house is cluttered, my mind and spirit feel that way too. I was just blogging about that myself! I cleaned out a closet and felt so much more at ease afterwards.
I also like to listen to music. Sometimes I need something peppy to get me dancing around the house. Sometimes I need something mellow to calm me down. Plug up that iPod!
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@ Mrs Micah – oh yes, I forgot to say how great a few deep breaths are! I find myself taking a time out a couple times per week. Just stopping and slowing down to regain my center does help so much!
@ Sissy – you know, i love music and the great mood it can put me in but i don’t listen to it enough around the house. i need to start doing that more! thanks for stopping by and the great reminder!
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Those are really good tips. I agree with Sissy, when the house is cluttered I can not focus on anything. I love moving furniture around too. It is especially fun when I use circulate stuff. Like take a chair or table from the bedroom and use it in another room like the living room. Shoot, now I want to rearrange the living room
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@1stopmom – I am all about moving things from around the house to redecorate. I have a couple little tables that have rotated through almost every room in the past 6 months. They may have finally found their permanent homes so I’ll have to start rotating some new pieces. Did you rearrange your living room?
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Totally wit you on the decluttering and organizing when I’m in a mood and it totally makes me feel so much better. A neat room always makes me feel at ease.
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[...] are a lot of other things I can do than spend money when I am in need of a pick me up like these frugal ways to improve your mood. I don’t disagree that a little splurge or treat for ourselves now and again is valuable. [...]
I meditate or sit and do some needlework.
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