Maybe it’s been a while for you…or maybe you’re in one right now. We all go through these times of internal chaos when we feel like we’re doomed. You know those days when nothing feels beautiful (including yourself) and happiness seems to be in the distant past. I recently went through one of these spells and decided that when I’m faced with the next gloomy episdode, I’ll be much more equipped to tackle this season of dramatic victimhood. I do admit that I’m much better at picking myself up in these moments. I used to let these times consume me for weeks. Today, I can usually pick myself up within a few hours. That’s encouraging! The trouble with these female ‘funks’ is that we absolutely loose our sense of beauty, inner-peace and wellness. We’re so hard on ourselves that we truly need to remember that taking ourselves so seriously has long-term effects. Why not learn to laugh at ourselves a bit more and in times of distress, have a little recipe to get ourselves out of a rut. I’ve decided to make public my personal recipe. Honestly, it does work for me. If I’m in a funk and I just cannot shake it, I follow this little protocol and by the next morning, I don’t feel the need to spend my day at Dairy Queen with an extra large blizzard in hand and a kleenex box! Here’s my personal 10 step recipe for getting yourself out of an emotional rut:
1) Take a bubble bath (I add lavendar oils and all natural bubble baths. Make sure you’re not using bubble baths filled with parabens! Check your labels). Light candles and put on some amazing chill music.
2) After your bath, take a beautiful walk outside. If you can, take a walk in the forest. Enjoy the sounds of nature and really practice being present. Being ‘in the now’ is tougher to do than it sounds. If you’re in the city, simply taking a walk to your favorite cafe will do.
3) Make a warm chai tea with heated almond milk. This does it for me! The spices in the chai tea instantly make me happy! (I use unsweetened Vanilla almond milk in my tea).
4) Detox your home. This works for me. In times of emotional distress, ‘the law of vacuum’ really does work. You can read up more on this law but in a nutshell, making space creates new amazing things in your life… Try it! Give away those clothes that don’t make you happy (I aim for at least 1 garbage bag full with each detox). Also, detox your kitchen of those sugary and processed foods that mess with your mood! Those artificial sweeteners mess up your insulin levels and can even put your body in glycemic stress (the same way sugary foods do). I recently kicked the diet coke habit for good (yes…this was one of my bad habits!) when I realized what it was doing to my body. If you’re not sure, watch the movie ‘sweet misery’ on youtube.
5) Today is the day to watch your favorite movie and incorporate your favorite music into your life. I have so many favorite movies and songs but I will admit that a few movies that put me in a good mood every time are Pretty Woman, Immortal Beloved, Shakespeare in Love, and So I married an Axe Murderer. One of my ‘recovery’ songs is Massonet’s Meditation. I’m a classical music lover and as a former classically trained pianist, I have recently decided to find a teacher and get back to that piano playing!
6) Make a trip to your local health food store. This works every time! Take a trip to whole foods and instantly, you’re a health nut! Pick out a healthy book that inspires you, buy a box of organic green tea and pick out some amazing organic fruits and veggies. You’ll go home feeling a refreshed sense of wellness.
7) Call a friend. You may not want to radiate your low energy on a friend but if you’re like me, you might have a tendancy to keep to yourself in times of distress. Not a great idea! If you do this, the phase will likely last even longer. Reach out to a friend for guidance and energy. It is important though that you focus on the solution to your situation and not be an ‘energy vampire’ and just share all of your dramas. The book ‘Positive Energy’ by Judith Orloff is a great reminder!
8)Take your vitamins. Did you know that vitamins play such an important role in mood, blood sugar levels, fat metabolism, skin health and so much more. I take my multi’s twice per day and ensure each day includes a multiviamin/multimineral, an omega oil and grapeseed extract. As many of you know, after years of research, I selected the vitamins from Usana Health Sciences for my body. It’s important that you do your homework before buying anything of the shelf. Check out your local book store or amazon and get yourself a copy of ‘The comparative guide to nutritional supplements’ by Lyle MacWilliam. This book ranks vitamins on effectiveness, bioavailability and safety.
9) Make yourself a big green salad. I recently discovered that part of my feeling gloomy was due to a major lack of greens. My body feels at its best with lots of green leafy ones. I had changed my diet and my body was not a happy camper. It’s amazing how great you feel after a big, beautiful salad. Your colon will also thank you! I love adding kale, spinach, cucumber, celery,hemp seeds, peppers, and my favorite homemade balsamic dressing.
10) Take an email/computer sabbatical. This is CRITICAL. When you’re on ‘energy empty’, you’re batteries are done and you’re going to start communicating via electronics? The answer is NO. Don’t even turn on your computer for a day. I promise, no one will come to your house and freak out on you. Just say NO. Also, turn your phone on silent for the day. That alone will create such a sense of peace it’s amazing.
In conclusion, I also wanted to share that recently I realized that colon hydrotherapy was my saving grace. I had had it one time before at a juicing/yoga retreat but this time was different. I booked an appointment with a local colon hydrotherapist and holy ____. I felt so amazing afterwards and realized that my body was filled with junk and toxins. You cannot imagine the emotional dump you take with a trip to a colon hydrotherapist. It’s like it gets rid of your stress, anxiety and heaviness. You feel relaxed, light and so healthy afterwards. I know it’s not for everyone but in my case, it is #11 on my personal recipe to getting myself out of a funk.
