Ann Davin, a psychologist with a PhD in depth psychology, shares her insights on overcoming morning dread. She introduces a transformative technique called 'slithering' that releases stress and helps kickstart your day. The conversation touches on addressing past trauma through physical movement and the importance of self-care in emotional healing. With relatable anecdotes, listeners learn how to embrace their mornings with renewed energy and transform their relationship with waking up.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast introduces the slithering technique, a somatic practice that helps alleviate morning dread by promoting the release of stored tension and stress.
Listeners learn that feelings of dread upon waking may stem from unresolved childhood experiences, which can create negative thought patterns in adulthood.
Engaging in the slithering practice can empower individuals by fostering emotional release and helping them take control of their day, making it a valuable tool for coping with anxiety.
Deep dives
Understanding Morning Dread
Waking up can often elicit feelings of dread for many people, affecting their motivation to start the day. This sensation can feel like a heavy weight on the chest, making the act of getting out of bed seem almost Herculean. Such feelings are frequently tied to unresolved emotions that originated from childhood experiences, creating a default mental state that battles negativity each morning. Recognizing that these feelings may not stem solely from current life circumstances but could be deeply rooted in past experiences is crucial for understanding morning dread.
The Slithering Technique
Slithering is a unique somatic technique designed to help individuals cope with morning heaviness and dread. Instead of pushing through the heaviness, slithering involves moving with it, allowing the body to express and release stored tension. This process begins by allowing one foot to slide out of bed, followed by the other, and eventually rolling onto the floor to stimulate movement through the heaviness. The technique can result in a gradual sense of freedom, shifting the experience from feeling trapped to feeling empowered as the dread dissipates.
The Connection to Past Trauma
The feelings of dread upon waking may be linked to early trauma or significant life changes that leave a lasting effect on the body's sensations. It’s common to experience feelings of dread from unresolved childhood events, leading to entrenched negative thought patterns in adulthood. Engaging in discussions around these sensations during therapy can help in understanding their origins, such as feeling confused or scared during a past experience. By acknowledging and working through these past traumas, individuals can learn to break the cycle of negativity that grips them each morning.
Empowerment Through Movement
Using the slithering technique can result in profound personal empowerment that extends beyond merely getting out of bed. As individuals engage with their physical sensations rather than trying to forcefully overcome them, they gradually gain a sense of control and agency over their emotions. The physical act of moving through sensations leads to emotional release and relief, redefining the morning experience from one of dread to one that welcomes the day with openness. This body-based movement approach emphasizes the importance of physicality in emotional healing.
Practical Application and Shareability
The slithering technique is accessible and can be taught to others, making it a valuable tool for anyone grappling with waking anxiety. It can be practiced not only in the mornings but anytime one feels overwhelmed or immobilized. This facilitates a shared experience where friends or family can engage in slithering together, fostering connection and mutual support. Its versatility underscores the importance of finding innovative ways to cope with stress and encourage emotional resilience in oneself and others.
If you have trouble getting out of bed, there is one simple hack you need to wake up early, beat anxiety, and kickstart your morning.
In today’s episode, Mel shares a technique called slithering that will help you on those tough mornings when getting out of bed feels impossible.
Mel reveals how this unique practice, taught to her by her therapist, moves stress and tension out of your body, helping you shift your mindset and start the day with ease.
You’ll learn how to use this simple tool to reset your body, tackle morning dread, and take control of your day—no matter what challenges you’re facing.
Note: this episode covers sensitive material, including discussion of trauma and sexual assault. If this topic isn’t for you right now – please skip this episode.
For more resources, including links to the studies mentioned in the episode, click here for the podcast episode page.