How to Get Out of a Funk When You’re Deep in the Funk

Written By Hannah Corbett

AKA: someone currently in a funk, trying to climb out in the next 10 hours

Here’s the thing no one talks about when it comes to feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just plain off: most advice is for after you’ve already pulled yourself out. They’ll tell you what to do to maintain the vibe. But what about when you’re smack in the middle of it, struggling to get off the couch, procrastinating every task because technically, you don’t have to leave the house?

That’s where I am right now. Working from home has blurred all my boundaries — between my desk and my couch, between work and rest, between morning and whenever I finally decide to start the day. And while I could use a whole weekend-long spa retreat, what I actually want is a quick fix. I want to feel better today. So here’s what I’m doing: I’m giving myself a glow-up in the next 10 hours.

The First Step: Pretend

That’s it. Not to fix everything. Not to finish your to-do list. Just to try. That’s what I did this morning. I decided to pretend — even just for today — that I am already the version of myself I want to be.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something I heard: act like the person you want to become. If that person wakes up at 7am and takes Pilates classes, if she walks 15,000 steps a day and keeps her space clean and comforting, then that’s what I’m going to do today — even if I’m starting a few hours behind and it’s more like a noon-to-10pm glow-up.

The Slightly Delusional Game Plan

Here’s my self-rescue mission, hour by hour:

Step 1: Write this article. Because letting you guys know that I’m in a funk will hold me accountable.

Step 2: Go on a long walk. Podcast, music, phone a friend, whatever you want  — just fresh air and movement.

Step 3: Clean the house. Reset the space, reset the vibe.

Step 4: Go to my Pilates class. (I’m already signed up — this is future-me planning for me now.)

Step 5: Take a long shower. The kind where you exfoliate, deep-condition, and light a candle.
Step 6: Peter Thomas Roth eye masks, cozy pajamas, and a light summer romance re-read. (Not sure which book yet, but it’ll be flirty & low-stress.)

Sometimes the thing that pulls you out of a funk isn’t a massive life change. It’s a small act of self-respect. Which sounds serious, but really I mean, you want to treat yourself well to keep feeling good.  It’s pretending — just a bit — that you’re already “that girl.” And guess what? When you keep showing up for yourself, you become her. “Fake it till you make it” wasn’t meant to be a joke. It’s a blueprint. You show up. You move forward. You keep”pretending” — until one day, it’s not pretending anymore.

I’ll report back if it works. But honestly, just writing this already feels like a step in the right direction.