How Do You Pull Yourself Out of a Funk?? - Springboro,OH

Laughing.. helps me get out of a funk.

Reading a funny book, or wacthing a comedy on TV..

eating my favorite foods.

Just having me time.

Furs, jewelry, vitamin D and wine

I am in the same boat!!

I love being a SAHM but it is really wearing on me and doing the same thing over and over, playing the same games/toys over and over without a break is getting hard.

I find that I don't make myself take a break. I don't allow myself those breaks and I find that I don't have a solid "hobby" or "me" activity that I once had pre-DS when I was dancing.

My husband enjoys his smartphone and it drives me nuts!

I know all of the things to get myself out of a funk - take breaks, exercise, get out of the house, find something spontaneous/out of the ordinary to do, etc. but knowing those strategies and making yourself do them are two different things! I let my anxiety and negative thinking get the better of me - "I should do this" or "I know this would help, but..." and kicking those thoughts to the curb is where I struggle.

I am the same in that I don't always "feel" pretty - but as a SAHM I am lucky to even get a quick shower in some days. I certainly don't feel like taking the time to do my hair or dress nice or put makeup on. Horrible mom jeans and a tshirt/sweatshirt are it and it's not very attractive feeling. Sometimes I wish I was one of those moms who looked like they were always put together and had time to do hair/makeup. But I just can't get there.

Maybe it is simply changing a bad habit? Maybe if we got up 15 minutes earlier to get that shower in and even if we put our hair in a pony, if we slapped on a little mascara and lip gloss or cute scarf it would help us feel better? Or instead of sitting on the couch thinking about all that needs to be done (but dreading it because i just want to relax like I am now), I relax by doing something other than sit on the computer, i.e. read a book, or magazine? I don't know... :-) It is hard to get out of my head, and I am glad to see I am not the only one who struggles! :-) Good luck!

My husband gets light therapy for Seasonal Affect Disorder -- he has this big square fluorescent light thingy. So, literally, he flips the switch and it blasts light in the same spectrum as sunlight at him. I recommend trying that, for starters. Also, just pull on your hat, mittens, and walking/running shoes and get outside. Take a brisk walk every day. I know this sounds cutesy or pat or something, but it really, really helps.

I think that getting out every day is a necessity. Invest in good winter clothing, and get out and enjoy it. I can't speak for where you live, but there are at least 4 different free playgroups operating in our neighbourhood. I used to go to all of them. We have a city park with a toboggan hill and a skating rink, and a great shelter with a fireplace to warm up in. Our zoo is open all winter, and winter is one of the best times to go. The animals are all very active, not like in the summer when they are all sleeping int he shade. Could you invest some money into a membership? A membership at the YMCA would provide you with a place to go each day where you can work out and the kids can play. Make sure you have a plan for each day, even if you have to stay at home, have a plan or a purpose. Invite people over to your home. Shower and get dressed every day and go out in the world and see people.

Some people are VERY sensitive to seasonal light deprivation during the winter months. Check with your doc about this - I think it's called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

i am in that same funk too. though i don't care if hubby compliments me. now we live in a place with warmer winters yet the winter blues have hit me. like you, i am dreaming of a tropical vacation (just me). won't happen but boy i hate feeling this way.

Kick boxing - feel empowered
Laugh - I went to a comedy club on Saturday night but I am also easily entertained and love to laugh at myself.
Lots & lots of sex, even if you initiate it. The body will follow.
Sounds perfect!!!

Sit in a sunny window and read a book. Honestly, short of getting outside, I have no other ideas. I think this time of year, alot of people feel this way. Can you go out to dinner with a girlfriend?

LOTS OF WOMEN FEEL THIS WAY! Guess what?!?!? You are NORMAL!

With that being said, now you have to do some nice things for you so that you can fill yourself back up. It's true, we can't rely on other people to MAKE us happy. You sound like you have a great family, but let's be realistic... Staying home 24/7 when the weather is crummy and your kids won't leave you alone much. Well, that doesn't sound so fun day after day.

Can you get a sitter once a week so you can get out and get your nails done? Can you go to the gym instead of working out at home? Can you go see a movie with a friend? Get dressed up and go to dinner with your husband? Maybe go and spend the night at a little hotel and have some nice quiet alone time?

I see a therapist when I start to feel overly funky and that helps for me. But, I guess you need to decide what kinds of things fill YOU back up. If you don't know what exactly makes you feel better, try a couple of different things and see how it works.

Sounds like you need to get dressed and go somewhere. Even with the kids. I always feel much better when I put makeup on and wear jeans with flats instead of sweats with running shoes, even if it's just the library story time.

I get you on the husband thing. After 12 years of marriage, I have accepted that my husband isn't verbal and chooses to show his love in other ways. I am not saying that you should accept it too (decide what is most important to your happiness first), but maybe have a talk with him and negotiate (might not be the best word) some needs. Sometimes a stranger or someone I know will give me a compliment, and it keeps me going! In the meantime, I'll focus on my husband's many other positives.

We bought a hot tub a few years ago and it has helped my mood a TON in these winter months. We also, just this year, bought two "grow lights" and hung them in a corner of our kitchen/dining area and grow fresh herbs with them! And they provide a nice bright white natural full spectrum light!
Maybe you could find a local place to swim? or hot tub? we have a place here that you can have your own hot tub for like $15 per hr.
Try to get out at least a few days. Go to the mall or a big store and just walk around. Pet stores can be fun too. And when you do get a day with some sunshine go out and enjoy it for at least a little while. And remember that this is only temporary. Lots of moms feel like this when they are home with little kids. Someday, when they are all off at school, you will actually MISS these days!! LOL!

I am so there with you. I would say all these things and yet I don't take my own advice either. We need things for us in our week to feel worthy. God, pampering, friends time, movie time, good cry.... hobby.
I think it is hard to find the time to get it all in. But yes it starts with you or me to be put ahead for a moment and feel the presance of exsisting and how wonderful life can be- is what you/ me make of it.
sorry it is so blah, but that is where I am at today . Not too inciteful but a thought.

Your guy probably really does care. Sounds like communication problems to me. Have you ever read "The Five Love Languages?" It sounds like affirming words are a big part of your love language, but your husband might express himself differently. Another good one is "Love and Respect" which focuses on how the man needs respect, but the woman needs love. I wonder too if you need a kid-free vacation of some kind. Get somebody to watch your kids, and go do something, even if it's just a romantic dinner and night at a hotel.

I think you should get dressed and do your hair, maybe put on a bit of make-up and see if that doesn't eek out a compliment from hubby. It just sounds like you've gotten into a rut. Just dressing up, even to stay home, can make you feel better about yourself.

You need to get dressed n get out every day. Walk around the local mall. Check out your library for free events. It's is the weather. I hate this time of year. I make it a point to get out. I go visit friends or they come here. Library
Mall. Are there any children's museums around. I am waiting for Spring. It cannot come soon enough.

Yes, I've felt this way before and if you would have told me that one day
I would feel this way.......I would have never ever believed you.
I am strong minded, a positive person, look for the humor in things, look
for the good, am very blessed......yet still............it happens.
My mom used to feel this way and now I know why.
I think it's a multi-faceted thing:
-you tend to lose yourself
-you lose your identity
-no longer work OUTSIDE the home
-don't have the disposable income you did when you were working
-can't get together w/friends like you did before for a laugh & a little girl
time
-there's not very much "me" time
-the body can go to pot
-not enough time to work out
-kids pulling you in every direction
-hubby doesn't quite appreciate you like he used ot etc. Sound familiar?

So this is what I do to try to stave off the doldrums..esp in the winter:
-do something for myself when I can (even if it's buying myself cheap
flowers from the groc store, renting a movie from Redbox)
-call a friend for a laugh
-make a list of the top 5 things I am grateful for & keep it nearby to ref &
remind myself
-exercise any & every chance I get
-try to remember the reasons I fell in love w/hubby & try to do something
w/him every blue moon
-try to think positive. When the negative creeps in....I try quick to push it
out & replace it w/a positive thought
-on most days I try to make sure I haven't just showered, dry hair, put makeup on & some earrings & rings
-I've tried to talk to my hubby, rekindle the fire, go out to eat. We don't go
out to eat but we try to do something fun w/his friends more often (my friends are unavail)
-if you try to apppeal to what makes him happy & remember the old days, he's more likely to want to do the same w/you
-see MY friends etc.