March, man. Amiright?
I saw on my TimeHop app that 1 year ago we took off for a quick refresher in the mountains. I went back to read about it and laughed because I was feeling the same kind of unexplained funk over the past week or two. It hasn’t been debilitating by any means, but just an overarching feeling of blah.
I was a little low on energy, feeling uninspired creatively, and wasn’t engaged in life as much as just going through the motions. Yesterday I was contemplating in my head and on instagram stories about how wonderful a day at a spa would be (not that I’ve ever done that, but I can imagine), when I realized that enough was enough. I had to pull myself out of this funk.
And I did.
Here’s how:
I stopped expecting other people to fix it for me. I had to walk my own talk on this one. Thoughts of well I want David to get me a sitter/send me to a spa/handle XYZ were flashing through my head too often. I missed my mom and dad and had feeling bummed I hadn’t seen them in a while. Wah wah wahhhh. I always say if something isn’t working in your life, find a way to fix it. So I planned a few days to visit my folks and am considering getting a sitter for a few hours coming soon to give me some mental break time to simply wander the aisles at Barnes and Nobles.
Exercise. Novel concept, I know. My low energy had me less than enthusiastic about tying up my laces and going to Burn, but every time I finish a workout, I leave high on endorphins. Yesterday was a cardio killer. 1 minute of a station (jump rope, battle ropes, medicine ball slams, Heismans, reverse burpees), then a lap around the building. 3 rounds total. I left red-faced and smiling.
I uncluttered my virtual life. After hearing so many friends rave about taking facebook off their phones, I decided to try it this week. I’m only 4 days in but I don’t miss it. I realize how often I was mindlessly scrolling. I still have instagram and Facebook pages app (for A Healthy Slice of Life’s FB page), and that’s good for me at this moment. I’m also still leaving my phone in another room more often than not. With these two things combined, I have more time to be connecting with the people I am with in real life and my mind feels more free.
I chilled out on the coffee. I have never been a steady coffee drinker, but over the past couple of weeks I got into a coffee habit. Man, it made me feel good in the morning. My brain lit up and everything. But then by 10am I’d crash. And by 1pm I’d crave another cup. I cut it out, switched back to tea, and really like the way I feel better. I know I am more sensitive to it than most but also found it interesting that it was listed as #1 on this list of 50 Ways Healthier, Happier, and More Successful People Live on Their Own Terms.
I ate some carbs. During the week I tend to lean towards a paleo diet. Generally it is what makes me feel my best, but yesterday I made homemade pesto pizza for dinner and I’ll be darned if I wasn’t happier afterwards. Carbs are happy food.
I remembered to take my vitamins. I’m inconsistent at best at this. When my energy is low for too many days in a row, though, I find upping my water intake and taking vitamins (especially vitamin B), I tend to feel a more stable flow of energy.
Maybe I’m talking too soon (I’ve been guilty of this before), but I’m feeling lighter and back to my optimistic, cheery self today! I’m also hosting my women’s small group this morning and am looking forward to some QT with friends, another definite way to boost my mood.
Oh, and SUNSHINE! Getting outside never fails to help.
Ok, I’m done now–
What helps pull you out of a funk when they inevitably come along?
Alexis says
My youngest finally started sleeping through the night (10 months old, but better late than never). Anyway, I thought I would just suddenly feel awesome instantly, but I didn’t. So these past few weeks, I’ve been strict about 9:30 bedtime for myself. (Got to catch up on those 10 months) And instead of my usual chocolate bar evening snack, I’ve been eating a big scoop of peanut butter. Seems to really be working. So yeah – getting more sleep and making better (although still indulgent-feeling) snack choices)
Brittany Dixon says
Hooray for sleeping through the night!! And you are right- sleep makes so much difference in my outlook too. Great tips 🙂
Annie says
Ugh the mid March funk. I thought I was past it and envisioned spring, sunshine, and flowers but now we’re expecting another snow storm tomorrow in Boston! What?!? But either way I’m embracing the fact April is just about here and that means spring is as well so we’ll get outside today for some fresh air and continue with lighter, warm weather meals!
Brittany Dixon says
Are you really expecting more snow? Crazy! You are right though- spring around the corner and my friends that live in Boston say it’s just gorgeous. Hang in there! 😉
JOHN J STATHAS says
Glad you have done what you have needed to do to get back to your radiant energetic self!
montessoriishmom says
I am the worst about taking my vitamins and I don’t know why because I took them every day, no problem, when I was pregnant so I know I can do it. When I’m in a funk, calling my mom or going for a long walk outside always makes me feel better. Pizza never hurts either though 🙂
JOHN J STATHAS says
Glad you are back to your radiant energetic self!
Brittany Dixon says
I am! And excited to see y’all in a couple weeks! <3
Cassie says
Sounds great! I also ditched facebook, put my phone away when little is awake, and time (ie limit of 5 minutes) my instagram time. And, yes it feels awesome. Outside time, windows open, walks, quiet time fuel my days right now.
Brittany Dixon says
That’s awesome, Cassie! And yes I am loving open windows right now too. The nice weather helps my mood so much! Enjoy your day 🙂
EmilyS says
I think you hit the nail on the head with the carb point! I haven’t been sleeping well this week which has also left me in a funk and in my 1:30am internet searching, I think its because I haven’t been getting enough carbs. Eating low carb paleo and 3x/week orange theory seems to has taken its toll. So, of course, I got up at 2am and ate a handful of cold sweet potatoes from the fridge and a coconut power ball – I ended up calming down and falling asleep after that!
Brittany Dixon says
This makes me laugh because I woke up at my inlaws house one time in the middle of the night and ate cold potatoes from the fridge too! So good- ha! Glad it worked for you. I hear OrangeTheory is no joke!
Jessica says
Love everything you’ve done to pull out of the funk. I get that way usually in January once the gleam of Christmas is gone and may because I start missing my family. Getting outside is always a big mood lifter for me. I’d be happy to come and take a long walk with you. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
We totally should meet at a park one day soon when the sun comes back out!
Heather says
Vitamin B has been helping me immensely lately, but I have definitely notice a lingering funk that I have been struggling with. I’m making it a point to eat better (I tend to eat my feelings which really only makes me feel worse in the end), but I also went out and bought myself a few Spring tops. They weren’t in the budget, but they made me feel pretty and they’re in a style that I don’t usually wear. It helped me start thinking about spring, though, which always makes me happy. I’m also thinking that decluttering would make me happier. It won’t be easy (secret hoarder here!), but I really think that the clutter is making me genuinely unhappy. Also WALKS!! My sanity saver!
Brittany Dixon says
Aren’t walks amazing?! A few minutes moving outside does wonders. Well, that and new tops 🙂 I just bought a new workout top and I seriously had the best day when I wore it. It made me feel fresh! Glad you found some you like!
Laura says
I am so on board the carb bandwagon when I’m feeling blah. A glass of wine. Exercise. Fresh air. Running errands without my kids at a leisurely pace. These things usually put me in a better mood.
I feel like winter and spring just drag on forever here. I am more than ready to ditch the coats and boots!
Brittany Dixon says
Cheers to wine too! Just a small glass to hold relaxes me. Hopefully the sunshine and warm temps will settle in soon for all of us!
Lindsay @ Hot Mess, Cool Day says
It must be in the air! I’ve felt the same way all week. Add in that my husband has been away and it just makes for a hide-under-the-comforter type feeling. Here’s to pulling ourselves out!
Megan says
How much Vitamin B do you take? I’ve been thinking about taking some for energy but wasn’t sure how much is too much. Do you also take a mulit vitamin with it?
Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t take it every day religiously but when I do take vitamin b, I take 40 mcg of B12 and 13 mg of B6. I’ve heard it called the B-happy vitamin, haha! I don’t take a multi everyday- maybe a few times a week or more if I’m experiencing a more stressful or sleep deprived time.
Jill says
I started leaving my phone in another room at the beginning of the month and it has helped me so much. I have found myself reading books more and I found going to bed early has helped with getting out of the March funk. Here in Ohio we are getting temperatures in the upper 50s late in the day so I have been out soaking up the sun every chance I get. I also agree seeing family helps! I saw mine last weekend and I feel much better.
Andrea says
Brittney, you could have been writing this post about me! I relate to so many of your posts and this is no different! I love knowing that other moms are having similar experiences and feelings. Your blog is great for this. When I feel blah, I like to go for a long walk with the twins (look up “forest bathing”) or I tell my husband to watch them and take a bubble bath. I just joined a gym and got back into yoga and it is really helping with my mindset. I’ve been taking Prenatal gummy vitamins (because I am still breastfeeding). Is their a brand of vitamin you like?
Brittany Dixon says
I googled forest bathing and I love both the term and the concept. I need to do more of that! I’ve been thinking about yoga more recently too and considering adding in just 15 minute increments at home to start. I miss the deep breathing and gentle stretches.
As for vitamins, I take Shaklee. I used to sell it, but don’t anymore, but still think it’s a great quality brand so I take it. I also hear good things about Rainbow Light and Nordic Naturals.
Sarah says
Glad you got yourself out of a funk but you should also definitely treat yourself to a spa day. It can be a bit pricey but it is SO worth it! Even if you just go for a massage and maybe a pedi too. I don’t do it often (once every year or two) but it is so worth it!
Brittany Dixon says
Copy, pasted, and sent to David 😉 Haha, he actually keeps telling me to do it but every time I think about childcare or spending the money on myself, I balk. You are right though, I need to just do it. I know I’d LOVE it. Treat yo’ self, right??
Sarah says
Yes, JUST DO IT!! 🙂 🙂
You won’t regret it. (If you do, you can blame it on me, hee hee 🙂 )
Erica says
I also recently read the article, 50 Ways Happier, Healthier, And More Successful People Live On Their Own Terms, and found it inspiring. I was happy to see you refer to it too! I was going to ask about your vitamins, but I see your responses already above. Thanks for the info! I’m still on the pharmacy dispensed prenatals but am looking to change up soon. Great post, I love your accountability, so inspiring as always 🙂
Julie says
Sunshine, spending time w/ others who are uplifting, & exercise! Yes, yes & yes!
Britt B says
I have been focusing on some yard work. It’s been nice to get outside and plant at our new home! It’s our first home together (and my first time with a yard in about 7 years!), and even though we are renting, we want to make it ours 🙂 Now to figure out what grows well in North Carolina 😛
Chantal says
I want to delete the Facebook app… but I’m also nursing a newborn constantly, so I think I might keep it for now! Haha