Picture it…the last problem, challenge, or time where you felt emotionally stuck.
As I meet with more clients, and spend time with others, we all have something going on in our lives. Big or small, we all encounter moments when we may feel emotionally stuck.
Being emotionally stuck is like being in a mental rut, where no matter how hard we try, we can't seem to move forward. There seems to be no solutions, or that this season will never end, and there’s no one around to guide us through.
Whether it’s due to stress, anxiety, sadness, or feeling overwhelmed, being emotionally stuck can be debilitating…but it doesn’t have to be.
When was the last time you were stuck? Maybe it was last week…or it has been a while. Or maybe it’s today (I feel it today!).
What did you do to get unstuck? Sometimes we may try to avoid, stay busy, or ignore the situation altogether.
The truth is, feeling emotionally stuck is normal, common, and can be an opportunity if we allow it. The more we resist the “stuckness,” the more anxiety, overwhelm, and stress it can bring.
Here are a few ways to move through the stuckness:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in getting unstuck emotionally may be being aware that you are feeling something. We may not know exactly what it is, but our bodies are so smart to key us in when something is off - like impatience, irritability, short-tempered, or physical pain.
When we take some time to acknowledge what our body is telling us, then we can begin unpacking the feelings related to those sensations. Often, we try to suppress or ignore our emotions, hoping they will go away on their own. However, denying our feelings only prolongs the stuckness.
Action: Take a moment to sit with your emotions, without judgment or criticism. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you're feeling, whether it's sadness, anger, or frustration.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during difficult times. Have you heard, “Talk to yourself as you would talk to a dear friend”? Well, maybe some of us aren’t very nice friends, but self-compassion goes a long way! And I want to be that friend that reassures you that we all struggle at some point or another in our lives, and it’s okay to struggle.
Action: Find ways to treat yourself with gentleness and patience as you navigate through your emotions, like listen to comforting music, take a walk, take a bath. What are some ways that help you relax or clear your head?
Identify the Root Cause: Take some time to reflect on what might be causing you to feel stuck emotionally. Is it a specific event, situation, or person? What are the underlying beliefs that are contributing to your emotional state? By identifying the root cause of your feelings, you can gain insight into why you're feeling stuck and begin to address the issue more effectively.
Action: Find the right support to help you unpack what you’re feeling. It is so helpful to talk to someone you trust that can provide a fresh perspective and emotional support.
Getting unstuck emotionally is a process. Whether it’s quick or slow, we gain clarity, valuable lessons, and peace by taking some time and energy to address what’s going on.
How did you navigate the last time you felt emotionally stuck?
Who did you reach out to?
What did you learn during the process?
What will you do different next time?
Wherever our stuckness lies, it's important to remember that we don't have to go through challenging times alone (I know we think we can, but to be completely honest, we can’t!).
As always, however you are feeling today, I want you to know that you are never alone. I encourage you to reach out—if not to me, then to someone!
Give me a call or click here to schedule a complimentary 30-minute chat.
I believe in you,
Teresa
P.S. How helpful was this? If you think of someone who may benefit, please do not hesitate to forward this information. Thank you!