It’s almost a universal human experience to feel stuck at some point in life, whether it’s in a career, relationship or even identifying what the next goal should be. Getting stuck is normal, but staying stuck for too long can be dangerous. It’s like driving a car with a stuck accelerator: it isn’t safe to continue accelerating and the best approach is to take control of the situation quickly.
A common sign of anxiety is the feeling that something is stuck in your throat (globus pharyngeus). If this sensation is persistent, it’s important to seek medical advice as there may be underlying causes such as an abnormality in the esophagus that requires treatment. However, if the feeling of food stuck in your throat is occasional or intermittent, there are things you can do to help resolve it.
Getting a food stuck in your throat can cause significant pain and discomfort. This is because the lining of your esophagus is irritated by the food that you have swallowed. If you keep coughing and trying to clear your throat, the sensitivity of the lining will increase making it more difficult for you to get the food out.
You can relieve the symptoms of having a food stuck in your throat by drinking carbonated beverages such as soft drinks, lemonade, or ginger ale. The carbonation helps to dislodge the food in your throat and also reduces inflammation of the lining. This is why doctors and emergency workers recommend these types of beverages for people who have food stuck in their throats.
The same is true for a stuck thought: by drinking something carbonated, you can dislodge the “food” and get it out of your mind. Similarly, by ignoring the stuck thoughts or refusing to make a big deal about them, they will gradually disappear. You can also distract yourself by reading a book or newspaper article, exercising, eating something, listening to music, or taking a bath or shower.
If the problem persists, you can attempt to remove the stuck thought by using a rag soaked in white vinegar or baking soda. The acidity of the solution can dissolve the stickiness of the thought and loosen it from your mind. You can then try to replace the thought by thinking about something else, such as a happy memory or your accomplishments.
Stuck thoughts can be a sign of anxiety and are related to hyperstimulation, which is a common anxiety disorder symptom. They can also be a result of being overly focused on a certain task, such as preparing for a test or work assignment. This is why it’s important to maintain a balance between focus and relaxation, as well as incorporating meditation into your daily routine. A deep sense of purpose can provide motivation to overcome feelings of being stuck and help you find your path forward. Henri writes at Wake Up Cloud. He’s the author of Finding Your Passion and Follow Your Heart. He also hosts a podcast that teaches people how to build a lifestyle business around their passion.