Do you ever feel like you are going through a testing period? Where everything seems to fall apart all at the same time. For months life has been great and then suddenly you’re hit with an avalanche of “character building opportunities.” It’s one thing after another, without a break. When that first wave crashes you get knocked down but you stand right back up, the second wave has you wobbling but you remain standing, but by the 7th wave you’re exhausted and wondering if it’s even worth getting back up?
We’ve all been there. And this week it was my turn for the avalanche. I made it through the first 6 waves totally impressed at myself but the 7th wave stung. It hit a weak spot in my life, I was tired, exhausted and not wanting to deal. As I was sitting there in tears, disappointed, confused, frustrated and hurt I suddenly I felt the warmth of my daughter, who was snuggled to sleep right next to me. In that moment I was reminded that this storm was nothing compared to all that was going right.
I realized I needed to refocus. I sat down and made myself a list of all the things I was taking for granted: Like a husband that loves me and a family that is healthy — things that not everyone has, things that I would be devastated if I lost. Things that, sometimes, I totally forget to be thankful for, things that make all my other problems look petty, things that remind me how lucky I am.
Now I just needed to get out of the funk.
If you’re having one-of-those-days {or weeks/months} make yourself a list, grab a glass of wine and some chocolate and just enjoy a moment of peace. Don’t let the storms define you. Friends let us down. Bad things happen. Stressful situations comes up. Especially as a mom a lot can come at us at once, or sometimes it’s just a lot of the same mundane tasks that pile up and get us into a funk.
Getting Out of a Funk:
—Pick one thing to get done. You can’t do it all and especially not during a funk but getting just one thing done will make you feel productive and accomplished. Find one small thing that is bugging you and get it checked off. Clean one small part of the house, or maybe just make your bed. On days like this it’s best to work backwards from the smallest jobs to the biggest, that way as you check things off you’ll feel lighter and be able to tackle the larger things.
—Try Essential Oils. Great for supporting your body if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It can be diffused and/or rubbed generously on the bottom of feet to help ground and balance your body. I say generously but actually a little goes a long way when it comes to Essential Oils. { For more info on oils check out “Essential Oils: Where Do I Start?” }
—Eat a healthy, filling meal. It’s amazing what lack of vitamins and nutrients can do to a body and stress levels, a good meal can really make or break a day adding more positive energy into our life.
—Get moving! I know we’ve all heard this one before. And, yes, I know just leaving the kids and going for a run is not always realistic so here are some other ideas: Stretching and yoga can be done in the living room. They not only help oxygenating your cells they also help you relax and de-stress. Dance party with the kids is also a great way to get moving and make sure you are not snowballing your kids into bad moods too.
–Go out on a date with hubby. Rough patches are either the reason you pull apart or the opportunity to get closer, during “the storms” it’s important to stay connect as a couple. {Here are 175 inexpensive date ideas, including some you can do from home.}
–Snuggle with your kids and hubby. Even just a 20 second hug starts releasing a happiness hormone within you!
—Take a bath, or even better a bubble bath! Seriously, mama, you deserve a bubble bath. You can also add some Essential Oils to the tub water to help calm and relax you. Lavender is my favorite for this. {Next time I’m at the store I’m buying an inflatable bath neck pillow, you should too!}
—And go to sleep early tonight. I know it’s hard with so much to do but I promise you’ll be way more productive tomorrow anyway. Sometimes you just need to end a day and get a really good nights sleep.
Remember this is just a storm, and thank the Lord, storms are not permanent, it will pass.
More posts that will help:
One of my favorite posts. –> If you’re having a rough day with your kids, here is an easy trick to reset your day. {I can not say enough good things about this trick, it totally works!}
Surviving motherhood when you don’t have a mom to call — it’s really hard without the extra support, believe me, I know.
I am a good mom. I am enough. — This post is always such a good reminder that we really are enough for our kids even when you feel like you are just barely surviving and making it by.
Remember my weak spot I mentioned? It comes from insecurities I’m still working on. How to be a confident mom — a simple tip to end your insecurities.
If you’ve been through a mom funk and found a good solution, please share with us moms on Facebook!
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jen says
All good suggestions but I think it should be mentioned that a “funk” that lasts for an extended period may be something more serious like depression. Depression can’t always be lifted by “eating a healthy meal” or “going on a date with hubby”. It may need medical intervention or therapy, and, if left untreated, can progress to something far worse. Perhaps your article should mention that.
Alida says
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I was referring to a small funk in your mood and not depression. Depression would be much more serious, I know several other blogs have some great content on the subject.
Leri says
Thanks so much for this great article. I’m experiencing a funk at the moment; and it’s nice to be reminded that I do have things to be thankful for – and those out-weight any of these other stresses I’m dealing with at the moment.
And it’s a bonus to know I’m not the only Momma going through a funk!
Alida says
You got this!