10 Easy Ways To Get Inspired When You Fall Into A Funk

Slumps. Funks. We all fall into one from time to time. This time of year can be tough for a lot of people– the holidays are over, work starts to get busy and spring is still months away. It can be depressing especially when you have those deja vu weeks where it feels like you’re putting energy towards the same rotation of work, family and friend commitments over and over again. You fall into a routine and before you know it a month has passed by and you realize you haven’t done anything new or exciting.

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I always gave myself a free pass for feeling uninspired when I was working at my PR job (I was exhausted and had such minimal free time) but now that I’m self-employed I’m much tougher on myself when I get that “blah” feeling. I mean, I have no excuse! I live in New York City. How could I ever feel uninspired or demotivated?

I put together today’s post because 1) I want to hold myself accountable when I feel a funk coming on and 2) share a little motivation with those of you who may be feeling the January blues. It’s a real thing my friends! So without further adieu, here are 10 simple things I like to do when I need a little inspiration or pick-me-up!

10 Easy Ways To Get Inspired When You Fall Into A Funk

Take a spontaneous walk with no set route in mind. Not only is taking a walk totally free, but it’s also great for your health. You can’t go wrong with exercise AND fresh air. Whenever I’m feeling down or restless I’ll throw on a comfy pair of shoes, grab an iced coffee and walk around my neighborhood to clear my head.

Have a coffee date with a colleague or friend that you haven’t seen in a few months. Sometimes reconnecting with a past coworker or long lost friend can be the motivation you need to get out of a slump. Think about it: you likely spend most days with the same circle of people. I can speak from experience that adding different energy into the mix can spark a creative idea or even open up a new opportunity.

Go see a performance or visit a museum/art gallery. Immersing yourself in a creative space can spark so many ideas. If you’re feeling uninspired head to a local museum or art gallery for an afternoon. You could grab a latte at a local coffee shop when there’s an open mic night. Look up free concerts or dance performances in your community.

Switch up your workout routine. Adding weekly jogs into my fitness regimen was such a game changer. I was against it for so long and completely stuck in my ways, but once I made the change I felt a surge of confidence to try new things. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy. You could just try a different cycling instructor or go to a new studio for a yoga class. Even making time to watch a workout on YouTube at home could be just what you need to feel motivated!

Try cooking or baking a new recipe. Not only will your belly most likely be satisfied, but getting in the kitchen is a great way to pull yourself away from technology. I can’t tell you how good it feels to stand up at the counter and make dinner at the end of the day and not have to look at my computer or phone. If I don’t have any exciting weekend plans, I’ll research a new recipe or two and spend a few hours in the kitchen. Baking something yummy is also a great excuse to invite friends over 🙂

Tackle an organizational project. Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t even realize how the physical disorganization in our lives affects us mentally. Is your closet exploding? Do you constantly find yourself looking for misplaced belongings at home? Are your desk drawers at work a bottomless pit? Consider taking the time to just overhaul whatever that sloppy area is and see how much your mood improves.

Teach yourself something new. I mean, this could be literally anything. Knitting. A new language. Photoshop (I watch YouTube tutorials all the time!) A career skill to add to your resume. How to mix up a few fancy cocktails at home. Hair braiding. I just pulled these off the top of my head! Even if you don’t become an expert, it’s just nice to give yourself a new goal even if it’s something small and goofy.

Go on a pinning spree. Social media can be stressful, but Pinterest remains one of my digital happy places. Browsing home decor ideas or collecting inspiring quotes always lifts my spirits and put me in a positive mood.

Plan a day trip to somewhere you’ve never been. If you don’t have the time to plan an overnight vacation, consider going on an adventure closer to home. These are just a few ideas! Research new restaurant openings and try the one in the area you’re least familiar. Get outdoors and find a local spot to hike or go kayaking. Go on a daytime double date and road trip to a local form or orchard for a picnic. Do a bar crawl in a town that you’ve never been to– the list goes on!

Do a random act of kindness. You’ll never regret going out of your way to do something nice for someone else. Spend a Saturday volunteering, send a care package of your favorite beauty goodies to a women’s’ shelter, compliment a random stranger or give flowers to a friend or colleague you know has been feeling down. Remember: kindness is contagious.