Twenty Quick and Simple Ways to Get Unstuck

Things I do to get unstuck

Writing my most recent book Healing Trauma with Yoga forced me to get stuck and unstuck. A project that has not only consumed a lot of time, but obviously forced me to deal with a lot of my own issues around my own personal life experience and trauma. We all have ways that we distract ourselves, some healthier than others. Even with awareness, we can still participate in unhealthy behaviors. Here are some of the things I do to get unstuck that might also help you.

1. Mantras on YouTube going constantly in the background at my home—sound waves permeate your walls, your space, and you. Hav­ing mantras playing is calming and clears the space, infusing positive energy. I play the Bhagavad Gita a few times a week, and mantras almost every day and sometimes even while I sleep.

2. A long walk with my dog or a trip to the dog park to just enjoy dog joy. There is an unbridled joy that animals bring. They exist in the now, don’t get distracted by social media, and are very present and alert. The act of caring for a pet that gives unconditional love will bring immense joy (especially if you rescued the animal). I love walk­ing with Bentley and taking him to play as it forces me to be present.

3. A spray bottle with essential oils that I spritz on my face (note: keep your eyes closed when you do this). I use scents a lot; they lift my spirits and refresh me. We offer some amazing sprays and oils through YogaFit. My favorite day spray is either cinnamon and clove or pep­permint and eucalyptus. My go-to night-time spray is lavender and patchouli. I also like a lemon fresh for my car and sandalwood for anytime.

4. A quick workout with very heavy weights to change up my energy. Weight lifting literally shifts your hormones—a leg workout can raise your testosterone and growth hormone levels—switching your mood within twenty-five minutes.

5. A headstand. Inversions are known for their mood lifting benefits. They allow you to turn things around and upside down. They spark the nervous system and allow blood flow to the brain, eyes, face, neck, and scalp. To make a headstand more accessible and supportive, try the original Headstander BodyLift Headstand Bench from Evolution Health.

6. A guided meditation with a weighted blanket. What a great combo. I love my weighted blanket; it’s like getting a big hug. Weighted blan­kets are proven to reduce anxiety. They ease insomnia and help with attention deficit disorder and sensory processing disorder. I have one that weighs seventeen pounds and use it a few times a week for med­itation and often to sleep.

7. Turn off and cover the TV. Benefits include weight loss, reduction in mindless eating. This can lead to better relationships and higher self-esteem.

8. Put the phone away at least one day a week. Benefits include less dis­tractions, staying in the present moment, and more sleep—the light from the phone interrupts sleep.

9. Alternating hot and cold showers or cryotherapy. This resets the ner­vous system and helps reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety. It also reduces depression and migraines and recharges you.

10. A diet heavy in fruits and vegetables. You will feel lighter, clearer, and cleaner. Foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals will make you healthier.

11. The twelve-step serenity prayer. I spontaneously say this to myself often. It’s become one of my mantras. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

12. Allowing myself some organizing time every day but not too much. I have a bit of OCD, but it can get out of control, so I have to limit my­self. Compulsive organizing actually is a self-soothing mechanism, but at least things stay in order.

13. Making giant post-it notes on my walls with goals, projects and a to-do list so I see it daily. Stay on top of your goals by looking at them.

14. Time with friends. A great way to laugh, smile, and share, this fun activity changes your energy.

15. Red light therapy. It feeds your cells, increases energy, rejuvenates skin tone, and decreases inflammation. You can buy small handheld units online or visit a Korean spa that will have a full infrared room.

16. Keep a notebook with action items, thoughts, ideas, and projects. This helps in keeping you inspired, on track, organized and gives you account­ability. Helps with remembering things and charting your progress.

17. Drink half an ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For example: A 140-pound person should drink seventy ounces of water a day. This helps brain function and energy levels, reduces stress, and improves physical performance.

18. Be vigilant with time; don’t let anyone steal it. Our time is all we real­ly have. Feel less overwhelmed by saying “no” unless you really want to say yes. Enjoy more time for rest and relaxation, meditation and exercise, and just doing your favorite things.

19. Enjoy a salt lamp. It increases serotonin levels, neutralizes the energy of your space, and purifies the air.

20. Sleep better at night by blocking harmful “junk light” from your life. Junk light suppresses your body’s ability to create melatonin, the sleeping- and waking-cycle regulator in your body. “We absorb this light from our smartphone screens, computer monitors, and LEDS and CFL artificial lights that are all over our environments.”