Feeling Stuck?
Getting out of a rut
What does it mean to be emotionally stuck?
Being stuck in your head is bad for your mental health because it’s the mind telling you that you have very little control over your emotions or intentions. This happens when you overthink every single thing and end up taking no action over your plans. Overthinking stems from trying to see logic in everything.
If something is not clearly outlined it becomes stuck in the head creating a very busy mind which is exhausting! It can lead to anxiety and depression which further worsens the situation making it harder to get back to a balanced life. Studies show that overthinking leads to difficulty in making healthy decisions or taking action
What causes the feeling of being trapped?
When you’re not happy with where you are currently in life. It could be your career isn’t going as planned or your job is unfulfilling. Maybe your relationships are not working and family life is a disaster. Though I find the real question is ‘why does one feel as if they are not doing well in life?’ It’s because we keep comparing ourselves to others. When you’re overthinking, you step away from reality.
You’re creating all these scenarios of what could be or should have been in order for things to be perfect, this has adverse effects on your emotional wellbeing. It affects how you relate with the people and environment around you. When there isn’t lots of patience flowing your way…you become isolated from those closest to you thus sinking deeper into an unhealthy emotional state.
The dangerous part about this is some people end up with abusive behaviours in order to nub and quiet the mind. A Lot of destructive behaviours are born this way. One that is usually overlooked and dismissed as a result of an unhealthy mental state is overeating. Substance abuse is also common in people stuck in a rut.
How do I let go and stop being stuck?
The only way to get out of a rut is making a decision to move forward. Sticking with this decision is the start of healing. It’s acknowledging the unhealthy state of your mind and accepting there is a need for help. Having a mind that is on overdrive causing anxiety and depression should not make you feel ashamed. Stop blaming yourself for not being perfect which will result in gradual healing. Knowing that you have a problem but that you’re taking the step to get rid of it is empowering. It opens up a whole new way of thinking. Confidence that you can handle it makes you feel better.
Educate yourself on the triggers of your anxiety and overthinking.
Why does it take you to make decisions that are seemingly easy to others?
Get resources that will help you, could be a support group, books, videos, audiobooks or lectures.
Baby steps. There is no perfect time to start emotional healing. Set small goals. Studies have shown that when you set a goal and achieve it, it plays a significant role in your emotional well being. You see the light…the glimmer of hope for doing better increases with each item you cross off your to-do list. Setting smaller easily achievable goals leads to a low paced and anxiety-free lifestyle.
Empower yourself with confidence building language. Use powerful language! This might sound silly but fooling the mind is easy. Use mantras that remind you that you’re worthy, it’s a confidence builder. Research shows that once you repeat something long enough, you start to believe it.
Practice mindfulness in everything you do, all the time. Be aware of where you are, what you’re thinking and your actions at that moment. Mindfulness improves your focus and productivity thus a stress-free life.
Conclusion
Dealing with a mental disconnect is no easy task. Take each step at a time and reward yourself every time you complete a goal. Getting out of a rut takes time and consistency. Creating a feeling of self-love and compassion towards yourself is also a git to your mind and thus your overall well being.