How I Get Unstuck – 8 Easy Ways to Get Out of a Funk

You’re in a rut. It happens to the best of us. I’m sharing a recent experience of feeling stuck, plus some easy ways to help you get out of that funk. 

Back in March, I found myself in a rut. Stuck. In a total funk. I felt unproductive, cranky, anxious, tired, overwhelmed and incredibly irritable (ask the Brit, poor guy). My morning yoga and meditation endorphins were not working. It was like my days were constantly the feeling that I had forgotten to cut out a side-tag from a new shirt. You know, the one that irritates you, and you’re mad you forgot to cut it, again? Everything was annoying me, and I was even more annoyed about feeling this way.

This is not the first rut I’ve had in my life, but it took a very silly tiff with the Brit and him wondering what was up with me to get me out of my head. I took a good look in the mirror and said “Okay, Miss Yasmine. Sort your s*** out.” I am not ashamed to say I took a mental health day and stayed home from work.

Cutting the tag out

After much journaling, deeper meditation, pep talks from my Rachel Hollis and Gabrielle Bernstein books, and talking with the Brit, I unpacked what that irritating tag was. It was two-fold: a) my self-care was not great — I was not eating or sleeping well; both because of — what took me a bit longer to sort out and acknowledge — b) I was unhappy in my job. The self-care part was easy to fix, but the second part threw me for a big loop. Like, a round-the-world loop.

Once I acknowledged the ‘tag’ and got back into the routine of making my morning smoothie and eating healthy lunches, I was sleeping better. I had more energy, and felt more like Wonder Woman (less like the Hulk). Ramping my basic self-care back up gave me more energy to do all of the below, which helped me balance my mindset and figure out what to do about the second part of my rut.* 

*Friday is my last day at an excellent job, but one that took me some time to realize and accept was no longer for me. I’m now moving on to a job where I know I will feel more fulfilled, and it will enable me to pursue some other endeavours which I’ve been itching to get going on.

I know how frustrating it is to feel stuck. Acknowledging your funk is important because otherwise, all the good you do for yourself won’t stick. I hope that sharing my experience can help anyone who might be feeling stuck like I was.

1. Be present.

If you’re like me, you might get a little deeper in your head than you’d like to. Focus. Be at work (even if you don’t like it). Be with your partner. Read a book. Choose to be present so you can change your perspective. 

2. Step up your exercise.

Endorphins, baby! They are a thing. Think about how you feel after a run, yoga or spin class,  a nice walk on the beach, or exercise with your partner (ahem). Whatever floats your boat, do more. I also like to dance it out, à la Grey’s Anatomy.

3. Make a gratitude list.

Practicing daily gratitude with my meditation has gotten me through many a rut. It’s incredibly perspective-changing. Because I can almost guarantee that you have many things to be grateful for. Write three things down every day.

4. Do more of what makes you happy aka have fun!

Read more books. Go to yoga. Spend more time with your partner and friends. Go travelling. Eat good food. Listen to a funny podcast. Play with your kids or your dog. All of the above. Whatever is healthy for you and makes you happy.  

5. Have a little retail therapy.

If you have a big budget, this might mean going on a full-on shopping spree. But I’m talking about a bit more #GetThrifty retail therapy: a scented candle, a recommended book, a new outfit that makes you stand straighter and feel like Wonder Woman. (Psst! This outfit might already be in your closet.) There is something empowering about putting on an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks — especially when you are going to work, and even when it’s just for hanging around the house.

6. Try new things.

Sometimes the best way to get out of a funk is to try something new. Make a reservation at a restaurant you haven’t been to, or play tourist in your town. (One of mine and the Brit’s favourite things to do!) Take a pottery class. Buy a piece of clothing that you wouldn’t normally choose, but that makes you feel amazing. (Like a romper — I never thought I’d be down with this item of clothing, but now I have two because I feel great in them. Or book a really wonderful vacation from your bucket list. 

7. Take steps to make a change.

Small or big, these are not actions taken lightly, and not always the easiest of decisions. They also might involve asking for help. In the last six years, my easy decisions have been taking yoga teacher training (2013), paying off my debt (2013), taking a sabbatical (2014), and moving to Victoria (2018). The difficult? Deciding to get a divorce (2015), going to therapy (various times in my life), and any job change I’ve ever made in my career.

8. Remind yourself that you are doing amazing.

The fact that you have recognized being stuck and in a funk is pretty darn brave. It means you are looking at yourself and knowing you want to be better. You’re possibly being harder on yourself than you need to be, but do not let yourself (or anyone make you) feel guilty or bad about how you feel. It happens to all of us, and you will rock at getting out of your rut.

NOTE: There is no shame in talking about your rut. None. But if you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone in your personal life about how you feel, a counsellor or therapist makes for an excellent listener. They are worth the money. Most companies also offer an EFAP program that offers free initial sessions with a counsellor. 

All photos taken by Jana Josue. Thank you to Orb Clothing for this romper, and for creating clothes that make me feel like Wonder Woman!

“To change your life, you have to change yourself. To change yourself, you have to change your mindset.” ~ Unknown