Being Prepared for the Next Funk

So, we've talked about fighting the funks and also how to know when one is coming your way. But you can't always ward them off right? So what do you do when the inevitable happens? Most of the time (if we're honest) we give up, freak out or implode. But what if you were prepared, not to keep the funk from happening, but to deal with the funk when it rears its ugly head?I've said it before and I'll say it again: no one is exactly the same so what works for me won't work necessarily work for you. But, my experience may be able to clue you in to what you need to do to help yourself. When you're in a funk, it's a lot of work to just function let alone fight off a funk and get back to normal. But the easier you make things on yourself, the easier it will be for you to deal with the funk and ultimately move past it.

Instead of a step by step list of "here's what to have on hand and how to be ready", I've divided my thoughts into categories so that you can figure out what might work for you personally.

Personal Health

The first thing that slips is, not surprisingly, physically health. Making sure that good, wholesome foods are on hand and easily accessible is one way to help curb the unhealthy tendencies that generally pop up during a funk. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is also important as is physical exercise. The more you can get into a routine with sleep and exercise when things are good, the easier it will be to keep those habits when the crap hits the fan. Yes, it will be hard and it will be rough. But it will be worth it.

Put Good Stuff In, Get Good Stuff Out

Just like with physical health, your mind requires "nutrition" to be able to be at its peak potential. We are absolutely bombarded with messages on a regular basis, many of which we have no control over when and how often we see them. But there are moments when you do choose what your brain consumes. Moments like listening to music in the car, relaxing on the couch at the end of the day or how you occupy your time while waiting in line or at a doctor's office.

Make sure you always have positive options at your fingertips. For me, this means having specific playlists on Spotify for various moods, a number of motivational books on my kindle and even uplifting quotes or images on my phone and as my wallpaper. A friend of mine, Angela Mager, talked about this in one of her latest posts and how you can strategically place motivational items around your house to keep you focused on goals and contribute to a healthy environment for yourself. The more good stuff you put into your head, the more good stuff will come out of your thoughts (and then your words, emotions, and actions).

Getting Your Pity Party Crashers on Speed Dial

I have some wonderful friends and family in my life and let's be honest: I know who to call when I want to indulge in a bad mood and those that will pull my head out of my ass and get me back on the path where I should be. I intentionally put my friends who love me enough to tell me the truth and hurt my feelings at the top of my favorite list in my iPhone because they need to be the first ones I call. Otherwise, I'll just be spinning my wheels. Again.

Know Thyself

I can't stress how important it is to pay attention to your moods, thoughts, patterns and behaviors. If you don't, then your funks will always surprise you and you'll never see them coming. Trust me, that's not the way to live. It is a good way to drive yourself crazy.

There are a ridiculously infinite number of ways to get to know yourself, but the first step is just to pay attention. Most people go through the day and never give a thought to what they're doing or why they're doing it. Even if once or twice a day you stop and ask yourself why you're doing something or really investigate how you feel, you're going to be ahead of the game.

What are some things that you do that help you prepare for the funks?