3 STEPS TO HELP YOU JUMP FROM YOUR SLUMP

Do you ever feel that you’re in a slump? Maybe you sometimes feel moody, groggy, or oh-so fibro foggy?

It doesn’t have to be a big deal and you don’t have to have a chronic health challenge such as fibromyalgia to find yourself sidelined by a funky mood. It happens to us all.

Whatever the cause, it’s easy to let a slight slump derail your healthy lifestyle plans. When you’re in a slump, you make different choices than when you’re feeling hopeful or positive.

Sometimes, that dreaded slump amplifies your Negative Nellie voice. With every thought of action that pops into your head, she says these two unhelpful words:

I can’t

She whispers in your ear, “I can’t go for my walk, I’m too tired” and, “I’m in too much pain. I can’t cook, let’s call out for pizza.”

I get it. I’ve been there. I’ve heard her, too.

But when is a slump more than a mere annoyance? When it goes on for more than an hour or two. Maybe an afternoon … max. Anything more than that and you’re sure to begin feeling the telltale physical results: increased aches, pains, muscles as heavy as lead, zapped energy resources, etc.

Jumping out of your slump takes a bit of focused effort, but it’s worth it every time.

Here are three ways to give yourself a healthy nudge the next time you find yourself in a slump.

1)      Make a phone call. Call a buddy. We all need a bit of uplifting now and then. Call a friend, neighbor, or family member to give you a positivity boost and to help you keep your concerns in perspective. You know which people support you best. Put them at the top of your list and make good use of your phone’s speed dial option.

2)      Request a house call. If you need a bigger nudge, call a friend to come over. In effect, stage your own intervention. I have a fitness guru buddy who always has words of encouragement for me. She’ll come over, march me straight to my home gym and start putting me through some yoga poses. Even though she’s as limber as Gumby and my “limber-factor” is more like Mrs. Potato Head, before I know it I start to feel better. I feel hopeful, optimistic and ready to face the world. Moving the body definitely has a way of lifting the “I can’t” fog.

3)      Give yourself a boost! Even if you don’t enlist the help of a buddy – get moving on your own. Small stretches and routines can offer relief from pain without over-exerting your body. Deep breathing exercises help to release tension and anxiety. Assess how your body is feeling as you go. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Faster movement doesn’t mean it’s better. Simply riding a stationary bicycle for five minutes has uplifting effects. Go for a quick dip in the pool to relax and soothe sore muscles and joints. Pop in a yoga, tai chi, or other favorite fitness DVD and do some light stretches. These are great for improving your mobility and preventing painful flare ups.

There’s nothing like working out the kinks, physically,

to help you work out the kinks emotionally!

Just a few minutes of short, stress free stretches and low impact moves can make all the difference in jumping out of your own slump. Other good nudges include curling up with a good read (and/or a good furry friend!), enjoying a healthy energy giving snack, taking a nap, or getting out and enjoying nature. Have you seen a good sunset or sunrise lately? There’s nothing like the majesty of nature to bring on a sense of hope and gratitude.

Getting out of a slump reminds us that taking action always beats inaction. Have you got ideas to share? What are your favorite nudges to try when you’re in an “I can’t” slump?