The other day I found myself in a funk. There was no particular reason for this state of affairs, nothing bad had happened and I wasn’t into the mean reds territory. But still, I wanted nothing more than to curl up under my duvet and, hopefully, when I woke up everything would seem better. However it was late on a Monday afternoon, there were things that needed to be done and I couldn’t take to my bed like the heroine of some Victorian novel.
Then I thought back over the last ten hours or so. Apart from popping to the coffee shop round the corner to get my regular kick-start-my-morning cappuccino I hadn’t been outside, done any exercise or had any human contact all day. And it’s debatable whether the ten-minute trip to the coffee shop counts as exercise or if my interaction with the barista could be said to be human contact. Our conversation is pretty much the same every day. “Cappuccino?” he asks. “Yes,” I reply. He makes it, takes my money, hands over my caffeine hit and says, “Have a nice day,” and I reply, “You too.” I have tried to go off script in the past but he always looks a bit alarmed. I’d barely left my desk all day. It was hardly surprising that my mood was less than happy.
I immediately booked myself into an evening yoga class which ticked off exercise, human contact and getting me outside and always boosts my mood (as my friend Julia says, “You never feel worse after a yoga class,” – it’s true). To cheer myself up ahead of the class, even though it was tempting to load up on comfort food, I made myself a healthy snack, called my sister for a chat and played Crystal Castles loud. I should apologise to my neighbours at this point, but I find shouting along to Baptism played at call-the-noise-police levels a surprisingly effective mood booster.
Several hours later and my mood had significantly improved and I woke up the next morning feeling happy and full of energy. So it seems that healthy food, a good old natter, getting outside, yoga and Alice Glass played at ear-splitting volume have the power to turn around a bad mood for me. What works for you? How do you pull yourself out of a bad mood? Do share below!
I’m like you in that singing* to loud music always helps, as does having a nice relaxing bath and doing a spot of crochet (although not at the same time!). Sometimes when I’m in a foul mood and haven’t been outside it feels like such an effort to get up and get out there, but I always feel loads better after a brisk walk around the park, especially when the weather is lovely and crisp. Oh and as much as I love cake I try to avoid it when I’m in a funk, as I tend to comfort eat too much and make myself feel 10 times worse!
* well, I like to think of it as singing
Haha, I should have asterisked my singing similarly Kate! It’s funny when I worked in an office I would always go out at lunchtime but now I work from home I feel like I shouldn’t for some reason, but a brisk walk (in between showers at the moment!) is a great idea.
I also work from home, and whilst it has many more advantages than disadvantages, I miss the societal
Side of work. I can go days without speaking to anyone in the day until my husband and little boy get home, and I’m finding that it really effects my mood. Yesterday over lunch I popped out to do a little Christmas shopping. I felt better for getting a little fresh air and just being part I the lunch time rush!! Xx
I really miss the social aspect of work too Linsey. I try to spread meetings and going out through the week but it doesn’t always work out that way. I think instead of doing yoga early in the morning or in the evening scheduling a lunchtime class might work well, getting me out of the house and as you say being a part of the lunchtime rush and giving me a screen break and exercise too, obviously!
I had one of these days on Sunday – I’d planned a lie-in and been looking forward to it for ages but actually ended up feeling really lethargic for staying in bed so long. I managed to snap out of it in the afternoon by going for a walk at my favourite National Trust place, ending with a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Fresh air and/or exercise really helps I think.
Katie
That sounds a lovely way to spend a Sunday Katie! I agree fresh air and/or exercise really helps.
I’ve been in a horrific mood all week at work, to the point I’ve even had a Do Not Approach sign at work. Thankfully, getting a full night of sleep has gone a long way to getting me towards being a little nicer today.
One of my friends (who I used to work with) made herself a do not disturb hat for work. When she was wearing it we all knew not to approach her because she was either deep in concentration or in a terrible mood. We still tease her about now! Happy to hear you’re in a better mood today Gracie.
I’m totally with you on the fresh air thing. Luckily* I have two dogs that are ALWAYS up for a romp in the fresh air and, like you say, you never feel worse after doing exercise.
*when its dark, peeing it down and knee deep in mud, I sometimes don’t feel that lucky
I would imagine it’s hard to force yourself to take the dogs out when it’s dark and rainy Claire, but so good to have an absolutely must reason to get outside!
I have come to realise this mostly happens to me when I’ve not been able to get out and go running (even if only for 30 minutes). Exercise and a (relatively) healthy diet are so key to feeling good about yourself and in a happy mood.
Me too Emma!
Ooooh I wish I could sound as wholesome as you guys do…I would be lying if I said that my mood pick me up was fruit, veg and a spot of exercise. I’m certain that it would improve a bad mood however I am more likely to turn to online shopping (even if it’s just to browse) chocolate and a large glass of wine!
Ditto!
Haha, a glass of wine works for me too Amy!
No human contact and different change of scene is a definate mood downer. Getting out a bracing walk and listening to radio or something funny usually helps a melancholy mood.
Or a trip to the makeup counter of your choice along with nice new clothes.
Although if it keeps happening for no apparent reason particularly this time of year I would invest in a SAD lamp and see if that helps.
Exercise and fresh air usually does the trick Jill, new make and clothes work too, as does an episode or two of Modern Family, my favourite funny show!
I also work from home and it’s always tempting to stay put when I’m in a grump. I was gutted when my twice-weekly zumba class got cancelled recently as it was only five minutes’ walk from my house. Not quite found anything to replace it yet (I live in the sticks and am not spoilt for choice!)
Otherwise, distraction is the thing for me. I’ll take a break and go read some blogs, browse the Guardian, Stylist and CN Traveller websites which always have things I want to read, watch crap TV on Netflix (Gossip Girl is a fave), or get away from screens and play my guitar or go for a walk.
As for do not approach signs, my husband bought me a tote bag a while back with ‘go away I’m writing’ screen printed on it, and I have been known to hang it on my home office door!