How To Get Over A Middle Age Funk

With 44 years of age fast approaching, I find myself feeling ill equipped at life. There is this little cartoon cloud hanging over me, with the thoughts I should be more accomplished education, career, and health wise. Along with these thoughts and feelings come something akin to what I can only describe as a "Funk," not the good kind brought on by listening to your favorite 80's pop band but the kind some would call romantically "Melancholy," or another description would just plain old "YUCKY."

So in the spirit of putting on big girl pants, here are some ideas I think just might help shake off the funk...

1. Try something (anything) new. In my case, returning to school and starting a Hub page. What is something you have been putting off that you want to accomplish?

2. Take better care of yourself, which could also be included in our try something new category. Have you always wanted to bike or go to the gym? Walk your dog, take a dance class, something that I actually started doing lately is the exercise dance craze "ZUMBA" and I love it, one hour of pure dance fun! Look, I know this life can be crazy and adding just one more thing can seem like a pain, but you will reap the rewards of better health and more energy. I also am aware we weren't all born with the agility and coordination of a Gazelle (Trust me, my children keep me humble whenever I think I can bust a move) but in the long run, I don't think it really matters, we are not in gym class with our classmates talking behind our backs about our tennis shoes and baggy shorts, we are grown ups, brave enough to have fun! Nutrition is a key to feeling better as well. Fresh fruits and veggies, less processed foods, a handful of nuts or berries for a healthy snack. How many times have we heard this? Apparently not enough, since this nation is more unhealthy than ever. Find what works for you and makes you more proactive in your health.

3. Turn off your electronic devices, now before you go "Alec Baldwin" on me, just hear me out. Remember what is was like before we were glued to our I Phones and I Pads, PC's, HD tv's, etc.? Even if you can only go for 15 minutes, relish the silence so you can hear yourself think (or not think) whatever the case may be.

4. Do something for Y O U. This could fall under the take care of yourself area as well but with all this running at the speed of light, it is something that sometimes get tossed aside. Try a mani/pedi or massage, if these items are too big ticket right now, splurge on a latte at your local coffee house or a dark chocolate bar, a cheap DVD or CD or hit up your local thrift store and if you are really strapped, a long hot bath, putting on some pj's and making popcorn while you read a book, or veg to a movie marathon.

5. Do something for someone E L S E. It is no secret that helping others also sends good feelings your way. Do something for a young Mom or elderly neighbor. Volunteer in your church or community. Clean out your closet or garage and donate to a charity, you will have a cleaner home plus you have helped others, a win/win.

6. Play more. A friend of mine recently posted that she had been making giant bubbles outside and how much fun she had. Go outside and throw a ball with your children or dog. If you have always wanted a pet consider adopting one from a shelter, this could fall under helping someone else and you benefit from the companionship and unconditional love, (Just be sure you are ready for that responsibility.) Have a video game challenge with friends or family, my family loves to have (Dance Offs.) Pull out old board games or coloring books.

Hopefully by applying some of these not so new ideas to our life, we will get out of a "Funk" and get our "Groove" back on!