Guys. Something about this week. My body has felt fatigued, my attitude has been less than lovely — I’ve been in a funk. And while my husband has been the most gracious, I’ve been digging deep to figure out ways to choose positivity, with hopes of being lifted out of this mood. Here’s what I’ve got…

1. Discover some new music; or listen to old favorites. Tunes like Kelly Clarkson’s Invincible or Relient K tend to put me in a happy mood. Upbeat or inspirational music can do wonders to brighten up a day. [I usually underestimate it.]

2. Challenge negative thoughts. With positive ones, with gratitude, with God’s Word. This one can seem to fall by the wayside, because I forget the power of talking to myself. I’m great at giving a pep talk or encouraging word to a stranger, but I’m usually silent when it comes to giving those same pep talks to myself. Replace negative thoughts or feelings with Scripture, positive thoughts, and the reality of people in my life that love me.

3. Choose healthier snacks. This has been a bear, because all I’ve wanted to do this week is eat buckets and buckets of salty snacks. But, I can definitely tell that I feel better — mentally and physically — when I choose a banana over a bag of Doritos.

4. Set goals. Being the Queen of To-Do Lists, this one is natural for me. If I don’t write it down, it doesn’t exist. I’ve loved using my Erin Condren planner, and it gives me new purpose to fill in the calendar for the next week, or to write down tasks I’d like to accomplish. Sparking new purpose, that’s a good funk-lifter.

5. Take a step back. This one always helps me when I’m in a funk. In the moment, my feelings seem massive, but when I take a step back, I see a greater picture, and what I’m obsessing over or down about seems smaller. I ask the Lord for help with this, that He would give me eyes to see the bigger picture. To look around at how He’s blessed my life, and be thankful.

6. Speak up. I’ve learned that letting my feelings or frustration [with the funk] get bottled up only results in an explosion of ridiculousness. I sat in J’s lap last night rambling about how I was feeling. Talking my feelings out to a trusted person when I’m feeling them can be super helpful.

7. Serve others. Selflessness — a slingshot out of a slump. Most of the time my funks are the result of self-absorption, so when I take my eyes off of myself, I already feel lighter. It’s not about me. I remind myself.

What are your strategies for staying positive? For getting out of a funk?