February 2009

ARE YOU IN A FUNK? 

 

Depression and anger can make you sick, literally. But a new study at Kansas State University shows that some people take longer to snap out of it -- which can lead to health problems -- while cheerful people tend to stay happy longer.

Psychologists have known for a while that some people experience emotions more intensely than others. But little was known about how people differ in the amount of time they experience an emotion before it fades away, said Scott Hemenover, an assistant professor of psychology at K-State.

In the past, neurotic people were defined by how strongly they felt depressed or angry, not how long those emotions lasted. Likewise, extroverts were defined by how strongly they felt happy, not how long they felt happy. Extroverts are also associated with sociability and the desire to seek excitement.

Hemenover performed a study that found that people with different personality types have different rates of mood decay. People with neurotic tendencies hold on to a bad mood longer than other people. Extroverts tend to stay in a positive mood longer than average people.

"For example, if I go to a funny movie with a friend, we will both be happy after the movie. But after 20 minutes, I might still be happy and my friend has faded to neutral because I'm more extroverted," Hemenover said.

Hemenover presented a report on his study at the Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago May 3. The study can give a clue on improving the health of people who have problems with negative emotions like anger or depression, Hemenover said.

"Maintaining a negative mood for a long period of time is harmful to your health. People think that getting stressed and anxious is bad for you. The key isn't how stressed you are, but how long you are stressed," he said. "Staying stressed for a long time can impair your immune and cardiovascular functions."

Hemenover said people who tend to stay in a bad mood for a long time can learn to use strategies that will help them snap out of it faster.

"Neurotics see the world as a nasty place. If you teach them to view the world in a positive way, and to think their way out of feeling bad by rephrasing things in a positive way, it can help their health," Hemenover said.

from www.sciencedaily.com

Do yourself a favor and seek out some healthy outlets for releasing depressive thoughts and squelching lack-luster activities.

Definition of a funk - lack of motivation and low energy....



Healthy Ways to Get Yourself out of a Funk


Go for a walk - I'm not talking about a marathon here. If you can only manage a walk around the block you'll be better for it. Be sure to take in some deep breaths while you're outside to clear your lungs.

Do a Random Act of Kindness - Stop feeling sorry for yourself and make someone else's day special. Afterwards, you will both feel better.

Clear out clutter - One of the quickest ways to generate new and fresh energy moving into my space is to clear away stagnant energies by throwing out useless materials. Tossing out trash may seem like work, but it is totally energizing once you get the hang of it.

Try a new recipe - We all get in ruts eating and preparing the same foods again and again. Maybe you won't like it... so what! Where's your adventuresome spirit? The whole idea is to get you out of a funk, right?

Volunteer at a food pantry - Put yourself in a position of service to those who are less fortunate than you are. Your own worries will seem less troubling when you see firsthand the plight of others.

Hug a Tree - Spending time with nature is my favorite way to feel better. Put on your hiking boots and get lost for a couple hours near a babbling brook. If you can't get out of town, at least go for a barefoot run through the grasses in your yard.

Change your bed sheets - Better yet, go out and purchase a new set of colorful bed linens to brighten up your bedroom. When is the last time you changed your linens anyway? If you let your routine weekly sheet change slip by then you're certainly in FUNK territory. Crisp, clean, and colorful bed linens to curl up inside at bedtime will offer comfort when you most need it.

Go see a funny movie - Forgo the tear-jerkers and dramas at the theater this time around. You need a good belly-laugh to break that funk, viewing a comedy is your best bet. Invite a friend to go along with you and see who laughs the hardest/longest.

Spend quality time with a child - Take your niece/nephew or a neighbor's child out on a special outing to a zoo or playtime at a nearby park. Even a quick trip to get corn dogs and a root beer float will be appreciated. Children love it when adults give them special attention. Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of not only bringing about a joyful smile on a child's face, you'll be smiling too!

Pamper yourself - Do whatever it is that brings you the most joy. It might be indulging in a bubble bath, reading a saucy romance novel, or breaking out of your routine to go inline skating. Don't tell yourself that you don't deserve it. BECAUSE YOU DO!
From http://Healing.about.com