Monday Musings: What I Do When I’m in a Slump

It happens to the best of us. Maybe it’s hormones. Maybe life’s just being extra for no reason. Or maybe it’s that weird, floaty feeling of ennui that you can’t quite explain. Whatever the reason, slumps happen, and I’ve learned not to fight them too hard. But I also don’t like to stay there for long, so I’ve got a few things I turn to when I need to get myself out of a funk.

1. I Go to the Gym

Okay, let me just say this upfront: I don’t like the gym. I don’t wake up excited to hit the treadmill or lift weights. But you know what? Few things make me feel better than getting through something I really don’t want to do in order to achieve a positive result. There’s a weird sense of pride in it, like, Look at me, doing the thing even though I hate it because my feelings are not the boss of me. Bonus points for the short-term serotonin boost and the long-term benefits of being fitter, healthier, and just feeling a bit more badass.

2. I See a Friend

Here’s the thing: I’m an introvert. I’m good at keeping to myself and honestly, I enjoy it most of the time. But when I’m in a slump, that tendency to isolate can get out of hand. When I spend too much time alone, I start feeling disconnected, and that’s usually when anxiety sneaks in. So I text a friend, set up a coffee date, or even just chat over the phone. It’s a simple reminder that I’m not alone and that connection—however small—can make a big difference.

3. I Do Something Creative with My Hands

There’s something about using your hands to create that feels grounding, like it pulls you out of your head and into the present moment. For me, it’s sewing or painting. It’s not about being good at it (trust me, some of my projects are questionable at best); it’s just about the process. Watching something take shape, stitch by stitch or brushstroke by brushstroke, feels so satisfying. It’s like therapy, but cheaper. Well that’s a lie, it’s actually expensive to get into a hobby what with the materials alone! But I think it’s as worth it as going to therapy.

4. I Try a New Beauty Look or Outfit Combo

Sometimes I just need to shake things up. I’ll experiment with makeup, say a bold eyeliner or a lipstick shade I wouldn’t normally wear. Or I’ll dig through my closet and put together a new outfit with pieces I haven’t touched in a while. Trying new colors, new shapes, or just stepping out of my usual style feels like a reset. It’s like saying, Okay, let’s be a slightly different version of myself today. And honestly, it works. Sometimes all it takes is seeing myself in a different way

5. I Write

Writing is how I get back to myself. It’s like scratching an itch deep beneath the surface, the kind you can’t quite reach otherwise. It doesn’t always make everything better, but it helps me make sense of where I am and what I’m feeling. Writing gives me clarity when my brain feels like a tangled mess. It’s my way of grounding myself when everything else feels unsteady.

Slumps suck, but they’re part of life. I try to remind myself that they’re temporary and that I have tools to work through them. These are the things that help me most—small, manageable steps that feel doable even on the worst days.

What about you? How do you deal when you’re in a slump? I’d love to hear your tips (because let’s be real, we can all use a little help sometimes).