Have you ever had one of those days when you are stuck$%: I don't mean just a little stuck, I mean can't even seem to get your brain to move a millimeter forward towards a solution stuck. It could be a problem at home or work for which you are trying to find a solution or it could be an idea for a project, a speech, or an article.
Whatever it is you are frustrated and forming an attachment to the end results, figuring out solutions. The more you think the more your brain locks up. You feel a little tingling of anxiety over this feeling of being stalled. Somewhere in the back or your mind you may think it would be wise to just let go but you are in it now. The cycle is going full tilt.
The more you try and find a solution the further away it seems so the more you try to find a solution.
Does this sound at all familiar$%: If it does than the following tips may be helpful in getting you unstuck and into forward motion again.
The next time you feel engaged in this unproductive dog chasing its tale cycle, try one of these to break the negative chain.
1. Hit the showers. Or a nice hot bath if you prefer for there is something so soothing about the sensation of hot water against your skin. It relaxes you and eases the tension and anxiety. It gets the creative problem solving juices flowing without any effort. I have solved many a problem while in the shower or bath. I have come up with great solutions to problems,"perfect" gift ideas, and often just the right words to say when dealing with tough situations. And it all seems completely effortless. The thoughts just come unbidden bubbling up from somewhere under the surface like magic
2. Take a walk or a run, preferably outside. The rhythmic movement of walking and running releases the stress and anxiety in much the same way the water of a shower or bath does. Being outside when you are taking part in exercise just brings an added dimension to the experience, fresh air and scenery. Your mind begins to clear as you process all the chatter and simply let it go. Answers seem to come and you are moving out of the quicksand of a mind that is frozen. During the exercise you will often find that you come up with several options or solutions to whatever is keeping you stagnant.
3. Take a nap or a little time out to meditate or daydream. I know this may be difficult in the middle of a workday. So might taking a shower or a run but at the very least close the door to your office or face away form your computer if you work in a cubicle and just practice deep rhythmic breathing. Close your eyes for a few minutes and just let your thoughts come and go. For the first few minutes don't try to control any of the thoughts as they pass through. In the silence your mind just begins to defrag and the fog begins to clear. That is when the creative process can take over. The benefits of even a few minutes of meditation towards freeing the mind are well known. The state of relaxation just before sleep can be freeing as well which is why taking a catnap when you are feeling stuck is a great idea.
The next time you are feeling anxious and your brain feel literally frozen in time try one of these tips. You will find that in no time you are moving forward again and your thoughts are full of ideas and solutions. What next$%: Putting all these creative thoughts to good use.
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