When we're feeling unmotivated we can spend a lot of time in our heads - beating ourselves up and doing what we can to get going again.
But lately I’ve been reflecting on something that was coming up in several different coaching sessions.
That sometimes what we call 'lack of confidence' or 'procrastination' could actually be our nervous-system getting frazzled.
Not because of laziness, weakness, wrongness or failure. And definitely not lack of talent.
It is actually to do with the stress of trying to deal with everything for too long.
Lots of sensitive, driven people become experts at being self-reliant. 💪
So when we're feeling unmotivated we do all kinds of things to get through. We...
- Motivate ourselves. (How many books, podcasts, articles do you consume to get yourself moving?!)
- Push ourselves. (What does that inner voice say to you to try and get you moving?)
- Encourage ourselves. (The inner cheerleader!)
- Pick ourselves back up. (Dust ourself off, rub our wounds, and back into the fray.)
- Talk ourselves through fear. ('You're OK', 'You've got this!')
- Manage our own emotions. (BTW, do you ever remember to tap?!! See below!)
- Carry the financial pressure. (Uugh.)
- Keep showing up. (Consistency is key!)
With all of that going on, all that pressure and drive, it's hardly surprising that, after a while, the nervous system gets tired and needs a break.
And let's face it, in order to keep going, we human beings need:
support,
encouragement,
belief,
perhaps accountability,
rest & recovery,
and connection with people who truly see us.
We can start by being the person who provides all of that for ourselves.
And one way to do that is to use EFT Tapping.
As we tap on certain acupressure points, talking about what is going on for us right now, we are bringing down cortisol (the stress hormone) and simultaneously rewiring our brain.
It's super-simple and remarkably effective. If you want to know more, you can get your free EFT Starter Toolkit HERE
And as a taster, try this very short tapping round right now - and notice how you feel before and after.
Here are the points we'll be using:
Tapping Round to Heal Our Frazzled Nervous System
Before you start, check in with yourself - emotionally, mentally and physically - to see how exhausted and frazzled you're feeling. Then tap on the points and say the words out loud - with feeling!
Side of the hand: Even though I'm worn out dealing with all of this, I love and accept myself completely.
Even though part of me feels exhausted, frazzled and overwhelmed, I love and honour myself completely.
Even though I'm so tired and unmotivated, and I tell myself I'm lazy, procrastinating or disorganized. But perhaps it's because my nervous system has had enough and it's trying to protect me. And I deeply and completely love, honour and accept myself.
Eyebrow point: I'm just acknowledging how tired I'm feeling right now
Side of the eye: What if I didn’t have to attack myself or judge myself for that?
Under the eye: Maybe I don’t need to pile on the pressure and self-criticism
Under the nose: Perhaps I just need to give myself a little more support and understanding.
Under the mouth: Maybe I don’t need more motivation or to 'just push through'
Collar bone: Perhaps I need to feel safe enough to take a second, to stop and breathe, and let go of my stress
Under the arm: I choose to show compassion to this tired part of me and acknowledge how much I’ve been holding on to
Top of the Head: And I’m open to creating more support, balance, and regulation in my nervous system and in my life
Stop tapping, take a deep breath, and check in to see how you're feeling now.
I hope that provided some relief and helps you to feel better about yourself. Feel free to comment below. 🤗
