I've Been In A Funk
After weeks of feeling anything but myself, I'm finally getting back to "me."
I was in a funk for a few weeks.
It didn’t start when my service provider deleted my phone number and assigned me a new one that I really didn’t like all that much.
But that certainly didn’t help.
No, I was in a funk way before that. I just couldn’t put my finger on why.
It was likely a culmination of things. My apartment had gotten away from me; every single room was, to some degree, in disarray. I stopped exercising cold turkey for about two and a half weeks, for no reason other than I just didn’t feel like it. I wasn’t eating nearly enough fruit or vegetables, or drinking enough water to keep my stomach happy.
I also hadn’t written a single line of my working manuscript in who knows how long.
I was, however, thriving at work.
What’s the secret to achieving a healthy work-life balance? Anyone? Bueller? Because this isn’t the first time I’ve lost myself to the grind, to the thrill of producing a lot of content in a short amount of time and watching it perform well.
Ever since my declaration of the then-budding, now booming Barbiecore trend went viral, I’ve been on a kind of work high. I’m brainstorming pitches and filling my schedule with assignments, logging on early and logging off late. And I’ve been loving it, every second of it.
But then I came out of my career-driven stupor long enough to gasp for air and realized I’ve been slacking in virtually every other department of my life; that I’ve lost my sense of self outside of work. Sometimes the realization alone is enough and I’ll suddenly feel motivated to get back on track. Other times, I don’t care, and the funk will last a little bit longer.
I was somewhere in between this time around. So, I compromised. I’d give myself the weekend, and come Monday, I’d get my sh*t together (or “GYST” as YouTuber Kalyn Nicholson says). And get my sh*t together I did.
On Sunday night, I set my alarm for 7:45 a.m., and when the funky beat sounded the next morning, I got up and got to it.
I changed into the workout clothes I’d laid out the night before and followed a Bad Yogi sequence before lifting weights for the first time in months. I took a long, hot shower, and put together an ensemble that consisted of a button-down shirt (courtesy of Quince) and bottoms void of a stretchy waistband. I even did a full face of makeup.
That was just the beginning. I’ve been in GYST mode the entire week. Mark and I have been tidying up the apartment little by little, and I’ve been much more mindful of not only moving my body but also nourishing it with the right foods.
It really is amazing what a shift in mindset can do for your mood. I’m busier than I’ve ever been in the summer working in editorial, and I know as well as any other freelancer how important it is to ride and enjoy these waves. However, I’m a better “me” when I’m succeeding in my work, and taking care of myself, my home, and my little family.
The takeaway: Funks happen, sometimes for a day, sometimes for weeks at a time. For me, the trick to getting out of them is to, first, let myself feel the fogginess. Then, when I’m ready (or when enough is enough), make a plan to clear the clouds.
So, what do you do to get out of a funk? I’d love to hear your go-to tricks in the comments below!
Some Announcements
I received a lot of great feedback on my last post (what to shop on Prime Day), and have gotten requests to keep the shopping content coming. Ergo, next week, I’ll be kicking off my new monthly favorite series, where I’ll round up a list of things I’ve been loving in the month of July.
And speaking of round-ups, it’s almost that time of year, PR friends! That’s right, *Gift Guide Season* is drawing near, and my dear friend Dana Baardsen is offering a course for publicists and brands on how to best pitch to the media to ensure your client’s placement. It’s called Gift Guide Gold and, for a limited time, you can score 50% off by using the code “gold” at checkout. As a journalist, former consultant, and affiliate expert, Dana is an expert in the space, so don’t sleep on the opportunity to pick her brain.
Did you miss my byline?
Here are the articles I churned out during my two-week break from “Beyond My Byline” that were recently published:
This Supplement Combats Dry Eyes Caused By Daily Screen Use*
I Just Started Taking Turmeric — When Should I Expect To See Health Benefits?
"Flossing" Is the Shockingly Sexy Summer Trend That Has Nothing to Do With Teeth
The Mullet Dress Is the Latest Confusing Fashion Trend to Make a Comeback
I love the phrase you used "clear the clouds" - that's exactly what the funk feels like. Something else you mentioned that definitely works for me is prepping the day before. I heard in a podcast it's like setting yourself up for success, you're more likely to follow through with something when you're prepared for it. Love that, and glad you've gotten yourself out of the funk :)