Understanding the Real Reason You Might Feel Stuck (E41)
Patti Bryant
? Helping Anxious Strivers shift into Powerful Life Creators through The Powerful Creator Effect
Most people believe that feeling stuck in life is purely a mental block or a lack of motivation. But that’s not true.
I understand why you might feel this way. We've all been taught to push through obstacles with sheer willpower and determination. However, the state of your nervous system plays a crucial role in how you experience life, both internally and externally. It's like trying to drive a car with the emergency brake on – no matter how hard you press the gas pedal, you won't get very far.
When your nervous system is in the sympathetic state, you’re stuck in fight or flight mode, feeling anxious and restless. This often leads to worry, anger, and sleepless nights. If this state persists, you can end up in the dorsal vagal freeze, where everything feels overwhelming, exhausting, and even depressing. You can barely muster the energy to do anything.
But there's another way. When your nervous system shifts into the parasympathetic state, you feel grounded, present, and full of creative possibilities. This state allows you to be curious, come up with creative solutions, and feel connected to yourself and the world around you.
Understanding your nervous system is key to getting unstuck. Here’s a deeper look at the different states:
Sympathetic State: Fight or Flight
In the sympathetic state, your body perceives a threat and prepares to fight or flee. This state is characterized by feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and often anger. Your heart rate increases, your muscles tense, and your mind races with worry. This state is helpful in short bursts when you need to deal with immediate danger. But if you’re stuck here for too long, it can lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Dorsal Vagal Freeze: Overwhelmed and Exhausted
When the stress becomes too much to handle, your body can shift into the dorsal vagal freeze state. This is your body’s way of shutting down to protect itself from overwhelming stress. You may feel exhausted, depressed, and disconnected from the world around you. It becomes difficult to take any action because your body is essentially in survival mode, conserving energy and minimizing activity.
Parasympathetic State: Grounded and Creative
The parasympathetic state is where you want to be. In this state, you feel calm, grounded, and present. Your body is relaxed, your mind is clear, and you are open to creative possibilities. This state allows you to engage with the world in a meaningful way, explore new ideas, and connect deeply with others. It’s in this state that you can truly thrive and move forward in your life.
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Shifting Your State
So, how can you shift from the sympathetic or dorsal vagal freeze states into the parasympathetic state? It starts with awareness. Notice the signs of stress and overwhelm in your body and mind. Acknowledge when you’re feeling stuck and take steps to shift your energy. Here are a few practical tips:
Share Your Thoughts
Which state do you find yourself in most often: anxious and restless, exhausted and overwhelmed, or grounded and present? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Do you need some support along the way? You're in the right place! [Resources below!]
?? FREE "HOW TO GET UNSTUCK" MASTERCLASS: Find out why you may be feeling stuck and how to move forward ?? stan.store/pattibryant
?? FREE QUIZ "YOUR STUCK STYLE": Take this 2-minute quiz to gain insight into where you are and how you can move forward. ?? stan.store/pattibryant
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