7 Steps to Getting Over Your Slump Hump

I’ve been noticing a difference in how I’m feeling lately and I had a difficult time putting my finger on it.

My physical energy is less – I’m not sleeping as soundly as I normally do.
I’m keeping my stress levels at a minimum with my morning ritual (if you don’t have one, please click here and get my free guide. It’s just the ticket!), and revisiting my breathing throughout the day, and yet my neck and shoulders are super tight.

I have observed that my thoughts have started to creep over to the negative side more frequently than normal and my Inner Critic’s voice has been more present during my day – and in the middle of the night.

I’ve felt:
• Sluggish
• Unfocused
• Overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings I’m not sure how to sort out

I’ve watched myself revert back to old patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving – even when I know better. I am a coach after all.

Then it dawned on me.

I’m in a slump.

Ugh!

Have you ever felt this way?

The word itself is so unpleasant. I envision someone hunched over, all body parts curled inward, small and insignificant. I even looked up the definition:
“…undergo a prolonged fall in value…”

And then it hit me.

I have been looking to certain people to tell me my work has value-that I’m doing a good job- even when I know it does and I know I am. (I have so much evidence to back that up, and yet my IC kept telling me differently.)

Our society is so focused on a “strive and drive” mentality – always looking to the next achievement, never satisfied with today – that it becomes easy to get sucked in to that; especially if your workplace subscribes to it.

After much thought and stillness, this is the answer that came to me:

My happiness, my worth and my value does not lie with others.

Neither does yours.

So if you’ve ever been there (and who hasn’t), here are some tips on how to get over your slump hump:

1. Notice your thoughts – I know this sounds easy, and when we’re deep in our slump, it can be challenging to do. What triggers certain thoughts? What do you make it mean? Just acknowledging where you are provides a starting point for changes to be made. “We can’t change what we don’t acknowledge.” – Dr. Phil McGraw

2. Acceptance – Once you notice what’s happening, the best thing to do is accept it. That doesn’t mean you stay in the muck. Ever notice that when you resist something it gets harder and harder to change? It’s like you’re knee-deep in heavy, thick mud – stuck with no energy to take a step. Acceptance allows movement.

3. Detachment – Spinning only works for children’s toys and exercise classes. It’s never a good thing when it happens in our minds. The key is to release attachment to figuring it out and just let go. When we release our attachment to the outcome and create space around the issue, the answers come easily – from within.

4. Rest – Nap, go to bed early, read something fun and light or just be. Our bodies and minds need time where we’re not focused on doing anything but replenishing our energy. Sleep is the best cure for what ails and relieves the pressure and stress caused by all this doing.

5. Move your body! – Go out dancing or turn up the tunes in your living room. Take a walk, run or bike ride. Have wild sex (or any sex you like). Just get out and shake your groove thing! There’s nothing like a good shot of endorphins to change how you feel!

6. Snap out of it! – (Think Cher in “Moonstuck”). There are times when we just need to tell ourselves the truth – we’re sick of behaving and feeling like this and we need to stop. (I coach my corporate clients that they can “fire” themselves and “rehire” themselves any time they want. It really works!)

7. Gratitude: It is simply impossible to be in a slump and stay there when you shift your focus to one of gratitude. Being present in the moment, thinking of something you’re grateful for creates molecular changes in your mind and body. Shoulders release, hearts stop racing, minds become clearer. This is a fool-proof tool and works every time.

So now that I’ve identified what’s been going on for the last few weeks, I have the power to do something about it.

You do, too.

Worthiness & Wisdom Challenge: How do you get out of your slump? Share what practice you have with me and why it works or feel free to use one of the tips I’ve shared.

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