UNFUNK YOURSELF.

​Inevitably, Everyone experiences low points in their lives. some events are more traumatic than others but it doesn't make the negative energy any less real. 

For those of you stuck in this rut, the following is a list of things i do to get out of my own head so i can change whatever is bringing me down. 

                                           ***DISCLAIMER***
if you are experiencing actual depression or having suicidal thoughts, please do not be to proud or ashamed to seek out professional help.  just need an ear? Please email me, I'm always here to listen xx ***

• Start each day with gratitude, then make your bed.

the time When you're down and hate the world, is the most important time to constantly remind yourself what you have to be grateful for. the moment you open your eyes each morning, thank whatever higher power you believe in for your blessings. This is not a religious practice but a spiritual practice. Get it? to lift your spirit!  force yourself to Find something to show gratitude for. Whether it be your family, health, sight, burgers, harry potter, whatever. 

After your morning positivity boost, make your bed. I'm serious. 
being in a low state, even the simplest of tasks can seem daunting. making your bed forces you to get up and do at least one productive thing for the day, that can SUBCONSCIOUSLY motivate you to complete more tasks on your to do list .

• workout and listen to your favorite music.

NOT THAT GETTING IN SHAPE HURTS YOUR SELF ESTEEM but working out isn't just about getting thin. it's common knowledge that exercise releases "feel good" brain chemicals  (ENDORPHINS) that help ease depression. also, when your counting reps or focusing on your breathing, your brain is preoccupied and not over analyzing! especially when you're listening to your favorite music. 

Another one of my favorite things to do while sad (but still in control of myself) is to take long drives (or walks) blasting and belting out the lyrics to my favorite songs. What i personally listen to depends on my mood but when i'm in a dark mood, my "go to" music  are songs by avenged sevenfold, system of a down, and pink. no shame in my game. shouting out lyrics that explain what you're going through is an amazing way to get out that pent up energy brewing inside of you.

• Meditate and visualize.

I know i walk that thin line of "weird/hippy" stuff but bear with me. 
meditation, affirmations, and visualizations are all ways to make a request of the universe and manifest what you want in your life. this is extremely important to do when times are low. Meditation calms you and clears your mind, which in turn allows you to see things objectively. once you can focus on whats going on that's making you upset, without actually getting upset, you can figure out what you need to make you happy and motivated again.

Visualizations and affirmations are all about keeping your intentions in life crystal clear. do some research on these practices and start implementing them in your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. it will feel silly but it does wonders in programing your brain to draw more positivity into your life. remember, however, that ideas without actions are childs play. once you rationally and logically decide what you need to in order to change your life, go for it. seriously.

• DON'T POISON YOURSELF WITH YOUR FAVORITE POISON.  

I AM NO ANGEL, I DEFINITELY BATTLE MY OWN DEMONS like everybody else. SO I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE WHEN I SAY THAT NUMBING YOUR SORROWS and PAIN ARE NO BUENO. 

SURE, A GLASS OF YOUR FAVorite SPIRIT OR DRAG OF YOUR FAVORITE SMOKE ARE FINE IN MODERATION AND IN BALANCE WITH YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, BUT EXTREMES ARE NOT. IF YOUR BLACKING OUT DRUNK, BREAKING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO REUP YOUR SMOKES OR "RECONNECTING" WITH VARIOUS LOVERS TO FILL A VOID, TRUST ME, WE HAVE A PROBLEM MY FRIEND. YOU NEED TO STOP AND DEAL WITH THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE. NO AMOUNT OF NUMBING WILL MAKE IT GO AWAY. this is the time to focus on healing and not putting yourself in toxic ENVIRONMENTS with toxic people.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE SELF WILL TO STOP ABUSING YOURSELF PHYSICALLY/MENTALLY OR BOTH, YOU'RE NOT WEAK!!
​

• SEEK OUT HELP.

MY FRIEND, LET ME REPEAT THAT AGAIN. YOU ARE NOT WEAK. TRUE, EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN ISSUES BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOURS ANY LESS IMPORTANT. SOMETIMES OUR LOVED ONES DON'T HEAR OUR CRies FOR HELP AND SOME PEOPLE REALLY ARE JUST EVIL. THAT DOESN'T MEAN GIVE UP. YOUr COMMUNITY HAS SUPPORT GROUPS AND THERAPISTS. REACH OUT TO THEM. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH SHOULD DO THE TRICK. forget the stigma around seeking out help, talking to an unbiased third party that hears and understands you will help.

also, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I'M ALWAYS HERE TO LISTEN. NO JUDGEMENT.

• help others.

helping others in need when you're in low spirits is a definite way to change your PROSPECTIVE. it will make you feel needed and it gives you something to do. it will remind you that everyone has their own issues and that you're not alone.

go volunteer for your community, meet new people and remind yourself all that you have to be GRATEFUL for.

• Be creative.

i've come up with some of my best artistic work through my pain. getting your emotions out through art is THERAPEUTIC in a way that only being creative can be.

art is whatever you want it to be. drawing, painting, rapping, dancing, producing, writing, singing, ceramics, etc. there are endless options and you never know, some can lead to a monetary boost as well. mine did.