Hi! (i’m looking for advice here!) /lh
how i stop feeling numb? like, numb to peoples emotions and my own on the outside?
this has been happening for a while and i really want advice on how to not feel like that.
~ ☔️ anon
THey there,
Sometimes, we feel emotions physically and in different parts of our bodies. By figuring out what you're feeling, where you feel it, and why/when, you can stop feeling so numb.
Start with being mindful of your sensations and feelings. The first step is just to notice and observe them. Tracking this could help to see when you experience certain physiological reactions and emotional responses. Notice when you start to sweat, get lightheaded, experience numbness or tingling, or when your heartrate increases. What was going on beforehand? Pay attention to the thoughts that occur before the sensations or emotions.
Start to delve into different emotions and sensations. Here is an emotion wheel with a bunch of emotions on it. Pick one to start and just consider what it feels like to you. Try to remember times you may have felt these ways.
Try to connect to yourself and the world around you. Slow down and do new things. Try not to be stagnant and try to go with different and new routines once in a while.
Here and here are progressive muscle relaxations on Youtube. Bring awareness to your sensations and body. Notice without judgement. There are many meditations and relaxation videos on Youtube, so browse around. Practicing these often is important. The more you practice, the more it works and the easier it is to connect to your present moment and emotions.
Here are some grounding exercises. They can help you feel connected to yourself and the world around you. Here are some different breathing exercises.
Choose something new to do as often as you can. If possible, at least once a week. Go to a new cafe, a museum, an art gallery, draw something new, play a new game, watch something new, walk in a new place, order something new, visit a neighboring city, or whatever else floats your boat. Invite yourself to feel new things and connect to what you're feeling.
I also suggest writing in a journal. You can write about your day, your hopes, recovery-related things, venting, goals, and more. Journaling can serve as a tangible reminder that you exist, you feel, and you experience the world. You have memories and experiences worth being present for.
Another way to combat numbness is connecting with people. Do some of the new things with a friend. Text someone, talk in a discord, reach out online, etc.
Think about why you might be experiencing numbness. What are you numbing out? What emotions and sensations might you be suppressing? What feels like too much or too big for you to handle right now? Getting to the root of it will help lessen the numbness.
Take care.
- Misa
