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!
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?
Excellent points. It’s often all too easy to wallow in our slump instead of taking action. It’s amazing how something as simple as talking to a friend can really turn things around.
Thanks Julie! I trust your observations come through experience, as do mine!
Sue,
Love the ‘kinks’ statement! How vital and true. We absolutely cannot leave out the maintenance of the physical body in the package of better wellness. We are composed of body, mind, and spirit. They all need to balanced and healthy.
Funny! I considered using Kinky in the title, but then decided it wasn’t apt for the topic. Love the body, mind, and spirit connection!
Sue, do you have any tips on finding a holistic doctor? I have a hard time seeing another doctor that may prescribe more medications, and I’d like to talk with someone more about nutrition and other ways of healing more naturally, but am not sure how to find one. I’m newer in Dallas/Fort Worth, so I know they’ve got to be here. For now, I may see a Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue center doctor to re-assess my medications and it helps when they know so much about fibro, I just don’t want to be on medicine forever :). Thanks so much for your great resources, I love being able to come to your sites (and book!) to help me on this journey of health and wellness.
Sure thing, Marissa — and thanks so much for the kind words. I appreciate it very much. I believe you could be served (significantly) by seeing a naturopath. I’m so glad you’re looking into that form of treatment. I don’t personally know any ND’s in Dallas, but I just googled it and got a few responses. I’m certain there are actually hundreds to choose from. Here’s the link I found at quick glance: http://naturopaths.healthprofs.com/cam/state/TX/Dallas.html That’s just to get you started. I’m sure there are other sites to review.
Now keep in mind that YOU are the patient/client. YOU get to interview them to see if you feel that they can help you. Trust your instinct. Ask tough questions. Get a good feel for who they are, what their experience is, and what their philosophies are in healing. You’re looking for whole body wellness (which they will embrace) but you’re also looking into the specialty areas of autoimmune conditions and adrenal issues. That’s the bottom line for all of us.
Ask what they do primarily for testing, and for treatment. Some do lots of tests up front and then hone in on the treatment plans. Others don’t do much in the way of testing, and treat things on a broader base. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
Also — keep in mind that many things a naturopath can do can be done from anywhere. Tests can be ordered and reviewed online. Phone conversations (instead of office visits) are perfectly fine. If you’re interested in consulting with and seeing a naturopath who is not in your area – I’d definitely suggest my good friend and favorite Smarty Pants guy, Glen Depke (www.DepkeWellness.com). He’s my go-to guy for my questions and obscure interests. He’s very bright and has a very giving heart.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Sue
Thank you so much, Sue, I so greatly appreciate it! I’m excited to find a great naturopath partner, and am learning how to be a good advocate for myself – I appreciate your tips! I look forward to learning more and getting healthier. I look forward to the days I can look back from the place you are. I love and appreciate how involved you are to help those of us on the path you’ve traveled on. Your story helps give so many of us hope for better days ahead. I appreciate knowing about Glen as well, I will be checking out his site!
So glad to hear it, Marissa. We’re all on our own path and move at our own pace. I hope to be farther ahead in the days to come just as much as everyone else 😉
thank you,love reading.
Thanks for sharing, Margie!
Hi Sue,
I can certainly relate to your article. I guess if we’re honest we all can from time to time;-) I find what helps is pulling back from the upsetting situation and remind myself ” what CAN I do”? Looking at even the smallest things I can do to kick start me onto the road to gratitude and self appreciation again.
Thanks for the article
Cheers
Gaynor
Gaynor — I love that! It’s such a reflex to dwell on what we can’t do, but to intentionally focus on the small steps that we CAN do provides wonderful and proven results. We all need that kick start, and thanks for sharing your favorite tip!
Wonderful advice. Sometimes we really do just need to give our selves a little push to move out of a slump.