Getting Out Of A Work Funk

Have you recently found yourself bored and unmotivated with work? Feeling sluggish and unproductive more often? Constantly distracted or finding it difficult to focus? Looks like you're in a funk.

When you find yourself feeling like this at work, it can be frustrating. It could be a result of a variety of factors at work, in your personal life or otherwise. Understandably you’ll want to resolve it and get back to your normal self again.

Here are our top tips on how to put a pep in your step again:

1. Do something you’re good at: if you’re finding work particularly challenging at the time, engaging in an activity you easily do well at could be the confidence boost you need. It could be something at work or something entirely unrelated; as long as it serves as a reminder of your strengths and abilities.
2. Do something fun: if your work is feeling dull, it’s worth completing tasks you enjoy to create fun times for yourself. It could be an activity as light or intense as you’re comfortable with such as cooking, running, reading, dancing, gardening among many other activities. As long as it’s something you enjoy. You may even find it helpful if it’s incorporated into your day too, for example signing up to prepare an item for a bake sale at work.
3. Do something different: when work becomes too routine and you need to shake things up, you can try something out of the ordinary. This will take you out of autopilot and keep you on your toes. Perhaps you could book a trip, sign up for a class, start a DIY project, or volunteer in your local community.
4. Do something new: sometimes you just need to do something you’ve never done before. The aim is to help you find inspiration, stimulate your mind, and create new neural connections. Take a new route to walk/travel, try a new hobby, make a new friend. You’ll be well on your way to feeling rejuvenated.
5. Take a break: after all is said and done, you may just be overworked and in desperate need of a break. Close your laptop, take your lunch break, don’t pick up emails outside working hours, take a nap, book some time off - whatever it is, just be sure to give yourself a breather. You’d be surprised at the benefits.

These are all helpful ways, assuming no underlying medical concerns, to help you find your groove again. If however, you find yourself in a funk more often than not, you may want to consider a bigger change. Read our post on Pivoting with Purpose for more on this.

What has been your experience with funks and how have you broken out of them? Leave a comment below to let us know.