8 Simple & Powerful Hacks to Get Out of a Funk
Fast, fun ways to lose the lazy and get going.
I procrastinate. A lot.
Sometimes even when I have a laundry list of things to do, something on my insides is like NOOOOOOOO WAY definitely not doing that.
For a long time when this happened I would usually end up napping, scrolling, or eating.
Or something else unnecessary, unhealthy, and/or unproductive.
I’ve since found a hack for these times. It hasn't completely cured the randomly-onset FORGET THAT feeling, but the strategies do make it dissipate more rapidly than before.
The hack:
Instead of doing the thing that you absolutely do not want to do, do something slightly less terrible.
Be kinda weird
- Go outside and look at something for a long time.
This is a simple, silly trick I have used many times to snap me out of a resistant mindset.
Literally, just stare at something- anything- for a long time. It could be a palm tree or a tractor. Then focus on it and only it and let your mind run wild with everything that comes to mind.
Example: tractor “Wow these things are so cool. I wonder how much gas it takes. What does a tank of gas cost? Does it even use gas? Maybe it’s a special kind of fuel. I bet it’s cool to drive one. I think I would be good at it. What if…..”
You get the idea. After a few minutes of random (but focused) mental vomit, you will feel stimulated and a little more focused.
And you will also be tired of thinking about the thing and want to do something else.
Key: want to do something else.
2. Conquer the beast
Write a list of all the things you don’t want to do. From small things like brushing your teeth, to the big ones like building the website. Then under each one list reasons why you don’t want to do it.
After doing this you’ll be able to at least understand the parts of it that are frustrating and then you can address those issues (ie:coding is hard and makes me nauseous).
Knowing your pain points can help you overcome them.
Like hiring someone to do the coding for you and getting your site up in Spring instead of Fall.
3. Do ugly art:
Grab a pen or marker (crayon?) and get creative with the intention of throwing away your non-masterpiece. Draw or doodle or make stick figures or write your name over and over and over again.
Whatever comes to mind.
Try a coloring book (they actually have some really cool ones these days).
You would be surprised how relaxing and de-stressing this can be. 20 minutes of mindless ugly-art-making can do wonders for productivity.
4. Connect with creatures, or something fuzzy
Go pet a dog. Or a cat. Iguanas are cool too.
I go on walks specifically looking for stray animals sometimes (easier to do in some places than others).
Go visit your buddy down the street with a dog, or stop at your sister’s house to pet her cats. I’ve even gone to pet stores before.
Connecting with animals is powerful and can give you a burst of ‘awwww’ power.
Simple things like this can light you up inside.
Alternatively, if it’s not possible to get to an animal, go for the next best thing: something soft. (ie: sand, blanket, stuffed animals).
Seems silly but there is something super comforting and ASMR about it.
5. Do some heavy breathing
Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out: there are ways to do it solo, I swear.
Try doing 1-minute intervals of any exercise, with 2-minute breaks. This could be as easy squats or raising your arms in the air.
You could also try just plain old deep, focused breathing, which is like a meditation. Better than that would be an actual breathwork session (there’s plenty of free ones on YouTube).
Studies show that certain breathing techniques, such as mindfulness-based practices and rhythmic breathing, can positively influence cognitive functions.
Improved focus, attention, and enhanced mental clarity are commonly reported outcomes.
6. Make a list of things you are good at, or like about yourself
This is a powerful exercise I have done many times.
I actually have a running list in my journal of things I like/respect/admire about myself, and its really inspiring to run across it randomly, or flip to it to add something to the list.
We are usually our own worst critic, so try switching it up.
Set a timer and write for 5 minutes. Keep writing if it’s still flowing after that. Push yourself if you stop short. These items could be as simple as:
“I like that I take good care of my dog.”
Guaranteed this will pump you full of feel-goods and some motivation to conquer your list.
7. Make a list of things you dislike
When I do this, I notice that once I get to the root reason of why I don’t like something, I am much more indifferent to it. That leads to a happier existence.
Brainstorm everything bothering you.
Then turn frustration into gold by listing challenges and potential solutions. Take action and witness the transformative power of venting.
8. Agree to do absolutely nothing & be ok with it
Important detail: put a time limit on it. It could be 20 minutes, it could be an hour. Maybe the whole night. Maybe you want to sleep in until you can’t sleep anymore.
Whatever it is, give yourself permission to do it- for a definitive period of time. Then once that time is up, you should be rested and ready to go.
Sometimes just allowing ourselves to do something we are resisting completely removes the resistance to it.
Time to make moves
By getting something flowing and keeping your body moving and mind engaged, you will usually either have one of two outcomes:
- You might want to complete some tasks on your to-do list
OR
- You feel a bit accomplished since you at least did something instead of just (fill in your favorite useless time suck here).
Either one I consider a win!
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