The trials and tribulations a leader experiences can lead them to be sunk by the funk. We’ve all been stuck in a funk. It’s a period of time where you experience a low mood, depression, unmotivated sadness, or just feeling off.
Having the wind knocked out of you hurts. You feel aimless. Like there’s no hope.
If we’re honest, being in a funk sucks. That’s the truth.
The funk comes from:
- A major project that failed
- Employees talking about you behind your back
- Becoming unemployed or the idea of losing your job
- A thousand minor cuts to your psyche
Leaders who get sunk by the funk wind up jobless, aimless, and alone.
Photo by Malicki M Beser on Unsplash
But we don’t have to be sunk by the funk. There’s hope for you and me when we get in one of these moods.
How do we do that? Keep reading!
Don’t Get Sunk By The Funk
Create a support system that will hold you up even in your darkest days:
Many leaders fall into a funk because they see leadership as a lonely calling. One where it’s you against the world. Everyone else needs to back the heck up.
But that’s what gets us to feel down, to feel depressed. We’ve isolated ourselves so much that we don’t have anyone to call on.
Instead of separating yourself from those around you, find people you know, like, and trust. Create friendships with them. Share your story and trials with them.
They will be there to hold you up.
Move your body:
One of the best ways to get out of the funk is to move your body. This means exercise, people!
Exercising can be challenging, especially if you’re depressed. Depression causes us to sit in bed, eating a gallon of our favorite ice cream. It all sounds good in the moment but when that ice cream container is empty, you’re left feeling more miserable than before.
However, when you get out of bed and pound the pavement, you feel better. Maybe running isn’t your thing so you hit the gym and pump iron.
Whatever it takes to get your body moving, do it. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Seek professional help:
There are people out there who are trained professionals. They’ve studied the science of depression and anxiety. They’ve practiced the craft to help others get better.
Stop avoiding them. Find a mental health specialist who is able to take on your case.
Sometimes it can be as simple as a phone call where you and the therapist discuss the issue. Othertimes, it may require multiple calls or visits.
Yet, you’re worth it.
Be willing to do what needs to be done, even if that’s calling on someone else.
Go to church:
Your faith, or lack of faith, can play a large role in how you are doing mentally. I’ve found that being in a church with people who are also seeking a deeper relationship with our creator is refreshing. It’s a balm to a weary soul.
It’s easy to want to run and hide from God. But it’s something that will hurt you.
Find a great church. Seek God.
