The past few weeks have been really hard. You know when you know things are not feeling in the same flow and some big change is on the horizon?
I personally find it hard to sleep when I am really worried about an outcome. Even though I know I am tired I still show up for myself in terms of self-care because that is what is going to get that upward energy and momentum going especially when you are dealing with big changes, hard times, or major loss.
Here are my go-to’s to help you move through emotions and get back to feeling in control or at least at ease when life plays hardball.
5 Go-To’s When Life Plays Hardball
MOVE YOUR BODY
Go for a walk, get on the treadmill as you check your email, and do a 10 min ab set with a YouTube video, I love Pamela Reif. If all that still sounds like too much try lifting your arms over your head and then pulling them down beside you while seated. On the inhale raise ‘em up, on the exhale quickly pull them down. This pumping and breathing technique really helps move stagnant energy or emotions (e-motion, or energy in motion) out of the body. Repeat at least 10 times or until you feel a shift in your energy.
NOURISH
Sure I tend to think of junk when I’m feeling down, but I try to at least start the day with a super healthy breakfast: eggs with sauteed spinach and onion or a kale, banana, berry smoothie. The more we eat healthily, the happier our gut health is, and a happy gut produces more serotonin which is our feel-good hormone. Dark leafy greens, onions, and garlic are great prebiotics that is usually pretty easy to incorporate into your diet.
ASK FOR A HUG
Sounds cheesy I know but our nervous systems are designed to be calmed by the embrace of a trusted friend, family member, or fur baby. Even a hand squeeze is better than nothing. Or try giving your legs and shoulders a little self-massage when you are drying off out of the shower.
CRY
Trying not to cry is really hard on our parasympathetic nervous system which is designed to complete the stress cycle in order to process and move on. Once our body moves on from the “flight” or “freeze” reaction we tend to have when we first get bad news then our body needs to cry, wail, or scream (pillow screaming is amazing) and then slow the breath right down to complete the cycle.
CALL A FRIEND
In modern times we hesitate to just reach out and ask to be listened to because we don’t want to burden others with our grief, pain, or disappointment. Plus, let’s face it, it’s not easy to be vulnerable and tell someone we are sad. Allowing someone else to hold compassionate space for you can be so cathartic. It is just to voice your pain. No judgment, no advice, no troubleshooting, just getting it out so we can feel like we don’t have to carry it all alone.
Oftentimes when we share our story with trusted loved ones it stings a little bit less each time we speak it out loud. If this really doesn’t feel like a safe option emotionally for you, getting it down on paper in your journal is a really great alternative to help us process our emotions and discern how we really feel about something.
Moving through hard times is about allowing ourselves a moment to actually feel how we feel and move it through the body and at the same time try to maintain our regular routine to provide that calming sense of normalcy as we process.
You will get past this.
#QUITLIT: Energetically You Podcast Featuring Euphoric Author Karolina Rzadkowolska
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
