Suddenly, the lazy sloth energy settles in…
In spite of having good intentions, you’re very slow making progress on any of your projects.
You keep putting it off, taking all sorts of detours and distractions, avoiding getting to the point where you need to be with your project.
You may be scrolling on your phone, or getting sidetracked by attending to lots of minor projects and details that have nothing to do with the original task that you know you must complete. You are procrastinating.
This often leads to a vicious, unhealthy cycle ending in anxiety…
Why do you think that happens?
It is a copying mechanism. The underlying cause may bepast trauma, chronic stress, or beliefs.
Faced with a challenging task, the brain may seek short-term relief, actively avoiding the task.
It has to do with the need of your nervous system to feel safe.
You may be experiencing…..Dysregulation.
So…. Please don’t beat yourself up. Instead give yourself some love.
(Advice from a recovering procrastinator: me)
Activating self compassion and self love – NeuroTip
Self Compassion
The moment you initiate self compassion towards yourself, it activates one of the brain networks: the salient network (SN). I like to call it the wisdom center of your brain.
Whether you listen to a meditation or do a quick self compassion check-in, the moment you activate the feelings of self compassion, everything changes.
When the SN is activated, it has a balancing effect and immediately quiets down the anxiety that originates in the imagination center of the brain- called DMN or Default Mode Network.
Activating self compassion and self love – NeuroTip
As soon as you feel a surge of a difficult emotion -such as anxiety or shame-
place your hand on your heart (this releases oxytocin, the hormone of safety and trust)
Recognize and acknowledge that you are experiencing distress – empathize with your experience.
Send yourself love and care while acknowledging your difficult emotions, and Immerse yourself in the feeling of love.
Take a moment to repeat these phrases to yourself- or any variation of words that work best for you:
-
May I show kindness to myself right now.
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May I fully embrace this moment just as it is.
These simple exercises help break the automatic patterns of our survival responses and negative thinking.
That is the first step.
Once your anxiety has calmed down, then you can add a cognitive reframing exercise:
Grab a pencil and paper to write, and mindfully set your intention and the steps to complete the activity that you were avoiding.
(More on cognitive reframing strategies to follow soon…)
To masterfully balancing your brain networks,
Fanny:)
Sources:
Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself
https://www.tandfonline.com/