If you’re feeling stuck, it can be a sign that something in your life isn’t working the way it should. The best thing to do is take stock and look at what you need to change or let go of, whether it’s a personal or professional issue.
Often, if you’re feeling stuck it’s because there are things you need to do but you don’t have the energy to do them. That’s why reducing your schedule and doing more of what’s meaningful to you is one of the best ways to get unstuck.
Procrastination is the tendency to delay tasks that you have to do, which can be a source of frustration for many people. It’s also the result of the way our brains work. When your sympathetic nervous system perceives a threat, you may feel racing thoughts, “productive procrastination” (meaning you’re doing everything on your list except the one thing you really need to be doing), restlessness, irritability, and an elevated heart rate.
You can fight this by consciously choosing to do the one thing you need to do. You can do that by scheduling time for yourself, setting boundaries around your activities, and recognizing when you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
Writer’s Block
It’s normal to feel stuck while writing, even for the most experienced writers. This happens because you’re trying to create a story that’s authentic and unique. It’s not a good idea to beat yourself up for it, as you will only be making yourself feel worse and less likely to get it done.
Instead, try to focus on what’s going right for you and how you can make things better. This might include taking a break from the project, talking to someone about it, or taking a walk to clear your head.
Stuck is a verb meaning “to be frozen in place or stuck.” It comes from the Old English stician, which means “to pierce or remain fastened.” When you’re stuck it’s hard to move. You might be stuck in a car, you might have a problem with your math homework, or you might be stuck in a relationship.
Your Parasympathetic Nervous System
Your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the brake pedal of your body, helps you to slow down and relax. When your parasympathetic system is in charge, you might feel tired, sluggish, forgetful, or have trouble thinking clearly. You can help your parasympathetic nervous system to regulate itself by doing simple things like meditating, stretching, and making eye contact with a friend or loved one.
It’s also important to remember that your parasympathetic nervous system is there for you to protect you. When your parasympathetic nervous system is in charge, you might experience exhaustion, muscle weakness, being glued to the screen or locked on your couch, and a sense of dread and danger.
In addition, your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for calming you down and helping you to digest food. If your parasympathetic nervous system is out of balance, it can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms including restlessness, difficulty getting to sleep, irritability, and an elevated blood pressure and heart rate.