When you are feeling stuck, for whatever reason, it can be hard to get unstuck. Like Dr. Seuss says, unslumping yourself is not easily done. Then there is Newton’s first law of motion to consider as well – this law is sometimes referred to as the law of inertia, and it says that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. I love thinking about this physics law in regards to my own habits and patterns. Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling stuck it’s really easy to keep feeling stuck, like you are moving in mud, or there is a thick, viscous energy about you that makes you feel heavy and slow. You literally need some sort of force to help get you going again! Once you get going, it is easier to keep going because you have some momentum. With all that in mind, these are things you can do that will help give you that little push to move forward again.
- Move! But just a little bit. Like I just mentioned, it’s easier to go from lying down to rolling over and arching your back up for a couple of breaths and stretching, than it is to go from lying down to attending a 1.5 hour power yoga class across town. So just move the tiniest bit at first, then a little bit more when you are ready.
- Hydrate. Might sound silly, but drink a big glass of water and notice the difference in how you feel.
- Bring your awareness outside of you. To get yourself out of your head and back into your body and the present moment, just notice three things in your environment. Your cat meowing, the birds chirping outside, the dishwasher going, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. Just notice it without judgement.
- Pray. Obviously, this is not for everyone, but if you do have a spiritual life and prayer practice, remember to use it. Say a quick prayer of gratitude, or ask for help getting unstuck.
- Learn something new. Learning new things is always fun, but it’s a great way to change your perspective and get your brain focused on something. Learning something new can wake up your spirit and start inspiring you to live life the fullest.
- Be social. Reach out and connect with someone. This can be hard for introverts (me!), but once you have that social connection and tap into someone else’s nervous system, it helps balance and regulate you and you feel better.
- Be kind to yourself. The pace in which you uncoil and become unstuck is unique to you and your situation and that pace is perfect for you. There is a lot of wisdom in taking the time to slow down, be still, and feel your feelings. You have to do that first, because the only way is through. Just be contentious of the difference in slowing down to be mindful and being slow because you are frozen and stuck.
- Bare feet in the grass! Or sand, or water! Just take off your shoes and make a connection with some part of the earth. First part of becoming unstuck is to come back into your body, and the best way to come back into your body is by some sort of grounding practice and walking barefoot in the grass is the easiest way to ground yourself.
- Sunshine. Think of yourself as a plant (re: tip #2-hydrate). You are a living being and you need sunshine to function best. I know this can be hard depending on where you live and what time of year it is, but if you have access to the sun, just go outside for a few minutes, close your eyes and look directly at the sun. Pretend you are a solar panel being charged up with energy.
- Travel!! Oh, this is my favorite one. I am the daughter and granddaughter a pilot and traveling in in my blood. I know not everyone has the privilege and means to travel to far flung places (but if you do have the means, take this a sign to just go, you will not regret it!), so please know that this tip works even if you are only getting in your car or taking a bus to the next town to have lunch. Go anywhere you can, to get out of your house, out of your daily routines and patterns. It will change your perspective and inspire you.
Click here to visit my Instagram page to view 10 video Reels that go with each tip in this article! Lots of love to everyone feeling a bit stuck these days.