We’ve all been there. We might feel a bit down, or like our lives have somehow stalled. This phenomenon is what I call being in a “funk”. Rather than ignore them, “funks” are important signals that we should listen to. What they often point to is a need to reconnect with what’s important, to re-evaluate our priorities, and regain balance. Sometimes all that we need are some small changes to shake us out of our routine and to help us regain our positive outlook on life. Here are my go-to tricks when I feel like I’m in a funk.

Change up your look

It might be a bit cliché, but sometimes all you really need to transform your perspective is to change up your look. That’s because changing up your look is often really more about stepping out of your comfort zone, taking the plunge, and actually doing something you’ve always wanted to. This might mean going ahead and buying those shoes you’ve been eyeing, wearing that bright jacket you’ve had in your closet for ages, or even something as simple as dyeing your hair brown. In that way, you’ll be able to fulfil even your smallest dreams, and that’s sometimes all we need to reconnect with our inner selves.

Connect with old friends

If you’ve gotten stuck in the same old routine, you might have put some relationships on the backburner. Don’t feel guilty about this – it happens to the best of us! Instead, act upon it and get back in contact with those girlfriends you haven’t seen in ages. Give them a call, plan a dinner, or even a girls’ trip. Whatever you choose, make sure that it succeeds in reestablishing contact. Who knows, it might not even feel like any time has passed!

Disconnect

Being connected all the time ends up making us feel more isolated. More experts are recommending that we remember to disconnect from time to time. One great way to do this is to “forget” your phone at home – but on purpose. If that’s difficult for you, however, there’s nothing quite as effective as heading to a wellness spa. Most will strongly encourage you to leave your phone, tablet, smart watch, computer, or whatever else in a locker or at the front desk. Use this time to reconnect with yourself. Your messages will be there once you’re ready for them.