When we are down in the dumps and stuck in rumination, we are often poor judges of what will make us feel better (pints of ice cream and a Netflix binge anyone?) Research on positive psychology has proven time and again that this is just part of being human. Not to say that a treat and Netflix binge is never warranted, but if you find yourself falling back on these old coping mechanisms while simultaneously falling further into a pit of despair it may be time to try something different.
Neuropathways run deep and ditching old patterns while creating new ones is not a walk in the park….or is it? Next time you are feeling low and want to run and hide, play with stepping just a little outside of your comfort zone and get moving. A little nurturing movement can bring about a lot of shift. The key is to be gentle enough with yourself that it feels supportive but engaging enough that it gets you out of your head and into your body. Here are a few ideas for getting unstuck:
-Walk or hike outside: Fresh air, nature, and exercise all in one convenient package. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere near scenic views this can be a great way to remind yourself of how big the world is and give you a bird’s eye view of your problems (rather than looking at them through the lens of a microscope).
-Hit up a yoga class: Honestly, I am an introverted yogini through and through. Sometimes I feel like I could practice in my own little world for days on end. However, when I am feeling stuck, I make sure to haul myself out to a class. Practicing with others can be a great way to inspire an energetic shift while still honoring yourself and working from where you are at.
-Dance your cares away: If dancing wasn’t man’s first way of releasing emotion and shifting stuck energy, it has to be close to it. Little is more primal or more satisfying. It requires just enough focus to shift your awareness outward but still allows for creative expression of what is within.
For more about the mind-body connection, as well as a variety of other topics I write about, visit the Joyful Gym Rat page on Facebook or follow on Instagram!
Head into nature for a bit of nurture….