Meh,Blech and Funky Yucky Moods

7 Ways to Get Out of a Funky Mood

By Shannon Williams

Everyone experiences a funky mood from time to time. You know, everything is blah – your typical cool as a cucumber disposition can’t believe that guy dared to cut you off in traffic, little remarks from co-workers, friends or family hit a nerve that isn’t usually there… you just know you aren’t feeling like your normal self.

I am a very fun loving, happy person who you can usually find wearing a big, cheesy smile, but sometimes the funky mood comes into town. Over the years, I have learned to acknowledge when it is there, and try different ways to get rid of it. Next time you find yourself feeling a little grumpy, try one of my seven ways to kick that funk out the door!  

1. Put on Some Music and Dance!

This is one of my favorite mood boosters. I recently visited my sister for a week, and one day we both woke up in a little funk. We were aware of our moods and even warned each other of how we were feeling (sisterly love and all). After an hour or so of commiserating in our funks, we both looked at each other and said, “Wanna dance it out”? And that’s exactly what we did (in case you were wondering, our music choice was Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe”).

Not only does the movement create endorphins in your brain (who doesn’t love endorphins?), but dancing is a great healing exercise for your solar plexus chakra – the chakra associated with self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem – all the emotions that take a hit when the funky mood visits.

2. Eat a Mood-Boosting Food.

You still have to eat in a funk, right? So, instead of grabbing a slice of pizza or Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy, go for mood-boosting foods such as bananas, green leafy veggies, dark chocolate and Greek yogurt. My personal favorite is vanilla Greek yogurt with bananas, berries and a piece of dark chocolate. Yummo!

3. Put on Your Favorite Outfit.

We all have that favorite outfit that we feel great wearing. For me, it’s a long, flowy navy and gray skirt, white tee, sandals and my long yellow stone necklace. I always feel very comfortable in it, and I am not worrying about my muffin top hanging out, my butt looking too big (I like it a little big) or my shirt being tight. Put on your favorite outfit and strut your stuff.  

4. Self-Gratitude.

You know having an attitude of gratitude only brings more happiness and abundance to your life. But, it is so easy to forget to be grateful for the most important thing of all – yourself – for your experiences, your journey and your unique expression of self. To increase self-gratitude and get out of a funky mood, simply look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I love you” repeatedly for a solid minute. No matter what is going on with you when you start, this will surely invoke immense feelings of love and gratitude for yourself and create an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world.

5. An Act of Kindness.

Often times, when you are in a bad mood, the last thing you want to do is be kind. Consciously make a choice to do one simple act of kindness, and you will naturally feel better. For example, hold the door open when you leave the bank or store, smile at a stranger walking by, give a compliment or just remember to tell the people you love that you love them. Even in a funk, these acts will brighten the day of someone and automatically brighten yours too!

6. Meditate.

Even a quick 5-minute meditation is sure to help you reconnect with yourself and regain perspective of your day. When you meditate, you remember your connection to the universe and everyone in it. Benefits of meditation are extraordinary, but most importantly, meditation puts your focus back on your inner brilliance and your heart center. And, the best part is you can meditate anywhere!

7. Laugh.

Have you ever laughed so hard you cried? Or laughed so uncontrollably that your stomach hurt? How do you feel afterwards? Great, right? There are many benefits to laughing, but my two favorite are that laughing is contagious – so even if you look silly laughing uncontrollably about seemingly nothing, others will start laughing too and reap the benefits – and, while you laugh your body releases serotonin, so you get a natural energy boost. So, pop in that comedy you love or call your funny friend and get to laughing.