Start Strong: Do This Every Morning to Get Out of Bed, Beat Anxiety, and Feel Incredible All Day
Added: Oct 21, 2024
In this podcast episode, Mel Robbins shares a transformative technique called "slithering" that can help individuals overcome the overwhelming feelings of dread and anxiety that often accompany waking up in the morning. Robbins opens up about her personal struggles with getting out of bed, describing how she has felt a heavy sense of dread for most of her life. This feeling, she explains, can be traced back to childhood experiences that have left a lasting impact on her emotional and physical well-being.
The Weight of Dread
Robbins begins by discussing the common struggle many people face when waking up. For her, mornings have often been marked by a sensation of heaviness, akin to a weight pressing down on her chest. This feeling is compounded by racing thoughts that focus on past mistakes or upcoming challenges, creating a cycle of anxiety that makes it difficult to start the day. She emphasizes that this experience is not unique to her; many people wake up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even paralyzed by the thought of facing the day ahead.
Through her conversations with her therapist, Robbins learned that these feelings are often rooted in unresolved trauma and stored tension within the body. She explains that the sensations we experience upon waking can be linked to past experiences that have left emotional scars, which manifest as physical sensations in the present. This understanding is crucial for addressing the feelings of dread that can make mornings particularly challenging.
Introducing Slithering
To combat these feelings, her therapist introduced Robbins to the technique of slithering. This method encourages individuals to embrace their feelings of heaviness rather than fight against them. Instead of forcing herself out of bed, Robbins learns to "slither" out, moving her body in a way that acknowledges and works with the sensations she feels. This approach is rooted in somatic inquiry, which focuses on the body's ability to process and release stored emotions through movement.
Robbins describes the process of slithering in detail. It begins with slowly moving one foot out of bed, followed by the other, and then rolling off the bed onto the floor. Once on the floor, she is encouraged to wriggle and move her body in whatever way feels natural, allowing the heaviness to break apart. This movement helps to shift the energy in her body, transforming the sensation of dread into a feeling of empowerment and freedom.
The Power of Movement
The podcast emphasizes the importance of movement in processing emotions. Robbins shares that by engaging in this physical practice, she has been able to release the heaviness that once held her captive in bed. The act of slithering not only helps her get out of bed but also allows her to confront and move through the feelings that have been stored in her body for years. This technique has proven to be a powerful tool for Robbins, enabling her to wake up feeling lighter and more prepared to face the day.
Her therapist explained that slithering is not just about getting out of bed; it is a way to transform the relationship one has with their body and emotions. By moving with the heaviness rather than against it, individuals can shift their nervous system from a state of distress to one of calm and safety. This transformation is essential for creating a more positive morning experience and, ultimately, a more fulfilling day.
Overcoming Resistance
Robbins acknowledges that many people may feel resistance to trying such an unconventional technique. However, she encourages listeners to approach slithering with an open mind. The initial awkwardness of crawling on the floor or writhing around may feel strange, but it is a necessary step toward breaking free from the emotional weight that can hinder daily life. Robbins emphasizes that the key is to start small, allowing the body to guide the movement and gradually working through the sensations.
The podcast also addresses common concerns, such as the fear of being seen while performing this technique or the challenge of getting out of a high bed. Robbins reassures listeners that there is no right way to slither; the goal is to get the body on the floor and begin moving. This adaptability makes slithering accessible to anyone, regardless of their physical limitations.
A Shared Experience
Robbins highlights the potential for slithering to be a shared experience, particularly for parents and children. Teaching kids this technique can provide them with valuable tools to manage their own feelings of anxiety and dread. By engaging in slithering together, families can create a supportive environment that validates emotions and encourages healthy coping mechanisms.
