Turn a “Mom Funk” Around with Top-Performing Tactics

If you’re a mom, you probably know what a “mom funk” is. Mom funk manifests itself in a range of negative emotions, but this is what “mom funk” looks like for me:

I feel:

• foggy/unmotivated
• anxious/worried
• a general “crappy” feeling

Mom-funk creeps into my days randomly, and sometimes chronically. There are about 20 different tactics I’ve seen work for me to turn a bad day around, and today I’ll highlight my top three favorites!

I hope to add another article soon that will have a complete list and handy printable about ALL the best ways to get out of a mom funk and turn the day around! If you would like to be notified when that comes out, subscribe to our monthly newsletter by entering your email on the side bar, or at the end of the article 🙂

For today, I’m featuring the tactics that have helped me this week in particular- and they all have to do with getting my blood flowing and my heart pumping! I really hope that you’ll try one, or all three next time you’re feeling the mom funk!

Vacuum Monster:

One of my very favorite things I get to do as a mom is something that might sound pretty lame, but it’s a “highlight of my day” activity on a regular basis. We call it Vacuum Monster (technically, it’s a weekly activity). Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: you chase your kids with the vacuum, pretending to eat them up. You get the room vacuumed up and the kids giggle and run away and try to get caught. I make scary monster sounds, and grumble “this room is complete” when we’re done.

How to keep it fun:

1. Make as much eye contact as possible so they know you’re coming for them!
2. You gotta act like a monster and surprise them by getting really close!
3. No touching Mom or the vacuum- it’s against the rules- and drives mom loco.
4. The more kids: the merrier. This is extra fun when the kids have friends over!

Why it rocks:

1. You connect with your kids in a positive way (it’s so good for both of you on many levels)
2. You elevate your heart rate (…if you’re playing right: You gotta be chasing ’em!)
3. You un-clutter your environment for yourself and your family
4. You accomplish something
5. You occupy your kids (and all their friends if you have extras hanging around)!

You probably already play Vacuum Monster at your house already, but if you don’t… Try it! Tell your kids you have a new fun game, and get into it! Next, we have…

Tabata work-out:

I use this Tabata timing ratio (20 seconds of high intense quick movement, and 10 seconds of rest)… to pick up my house! It is the most productive 4 minutes of my life. The ratio is important because it allows for max productivity for your heart. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1) Gear up: get tennis shoes on and clothes you can move in.

Step 2) Make sure kids can stay occupied for the next 4 minutes.

Step 3) Start your interval timer (I love this app).

Step 4) Sprint your guts out, picking up as much stuff around your house as you can find, putting it back in it’s correct location. Think:

• Laundry
• Odds and ends around the house
• Stuff in your yard
• Garage/car
• Got any piles in your house? Yeah- attack those!

I have a goal to start a 4-minute Tabata work out every day because it’s such a huge boost, but I have yet to find a method to accomplishing it! It’s too simple! Share any ideas for me in the comments- I’ve tried a few ways, but haven’t gotten into the habit yet. The research behind Tabata circuit training is incredible- it is SUCH an effective workout.

Lastly,

Dance party:

Turn on some happy music and dance with your kids. Get creative and try to impress them with your cool skills- which will definitely make you laugh… and we all know laughter is an awesome way to release feel-good hormones! Here’s my short list of favorite songs to dance to with my kiddos (some you gotta look up and try ’cause they might be new to you!)

• Good Morning by Mandisa
• Can’t Stop the Feeling
• EFY music is a a no-fail pick me up!
• You are Loved By Josh Groban for a more solemn mood

What’s your favorite way to get out of your own mom-funk?!