Me too! The seemingly endless cycle of grey and snowy days, everyday life struggles, and a milestone birthday over here (hello 40!) have me feeling like a “sad, soggy box” as one of my kids would say! (Have you ever heard a better description for the end-of-winter doldrums?)
Here are 5 questions that help me get unstuck:
What am I feeling and where am I feeling it? Sit or lie down and tune in. Get specific- does it feel hard, prickly, warm or cold? Notice the body parts that are holding the sensations. I find it incredibly powerful to explore what I am feeling even when I can’t identify the why behind it.
How does it feel to focus on my breath? Take a deep inhale through the nose, and a long exhale through the mouth. Repeat, taking a 2nd sip of air this time then exhaling through the mouth. Does anything feel different?
Have I had enough water & nourishing foods today? Most of us aren’t drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can seriously tank energy levels! And while some people don’t understand how it’s possible to forget to eat, others of us are in the camp of forgetting these essentials when we’re stressed. Or turning to foods that don’t keep us feeling satisfied. (May I add-if you want the ice cream, enjoy the ice cream guilt free. Comfort foods sometimes truly bring needed comfort. Enjoy and move on!)
How would it feel to rest right now? On the flip side, how would it feel to take a walk or move my body in some way that I typically enjoy? On the days it seems like there’s an endless to-do list and no time to rest, taking just 10 minutes to unplug and rest can make a world of difference. On the other hand, getting the blood flowing with movement can be just the ticket for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up! The key here is tuning in, leading to the next question…
Finally, and most importantly, what do I need? Sit quietly with this one and fully explore what comes to mind. What do I need right now to feel supported? What will bring me a sense of ease? What will lighten my load? This might be cancelling plans or other commitments. This might be calling a friend to make plans. This might be taking a bath or setting aside time for uninterrupted rest. This might be putting the phone in airplane mode and playing a game with family, going outside, or something else that changes the perspective of the day.
Listen quietly and trust that voice within.
(Disclaimer: This is simply a list that has been helpful for my own personal wellness. Please seek medical support when necessary. If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm please call or text 988 for support.)
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