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What is a mental block? -

A mental block is essentially a number of feelings and emotions that obstruct our thoughts and prevent us from doing something.

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What is a mental block? -

The term “mental fatigue” is also used to describe this inability to concentrate and think clearly, which consequently results in a lack of drive and motivation, and impacts on productivity.

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What causes a mental block? -

Mental blocks can be caused by a number of factors, but most commonly, they are due to prolonged cognitive activity (e.g. working too much, for too long).

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When does a mental block happen? -

These can happen at any time. Sometimes we hit a psychological wall right in the middle of an important project. All of a sudden, we get paralyzed with the fear of failure and everything just feels overwhelming.

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How to get over a mental block? -

There are ways to do it, and we’ll show you how. But first, you need to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and actually do something different.

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How to get over a mental block? -

You also need to take a hard look at yourself and the reasons that might be leading you to a mental block. You must believe you can change. Now, let’s look into strategies to achieve this.

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Break your goal down -

If you have a big project in hand (either work or personal), break it down into small goals. This will help you redefine your short-term goals. Instead of completing a whole project, your task is to achieve a small, easy goal. This can help tremendously, mentally.

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List your tasks -

Now that you’ve broken your big task into goals, it’s important that you break these goals into tasks and write them down. Actually reading them will help. Then mark them as done, as you complete them.

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Start with the easy ones first -

This will help you gain momentum and build confidence to tackle more complex tasks down the line.

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Free writing -

Open up a blank page on your laptop (or notebook, if you prefer) and start writing freely. Write whatever comes to mind. Yes, that includes all the nonsense stuff that crosses your mind. You will see that, soon enough, some ideas and helpful thoughts will start to emerge.

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Organize your space -

Our surroundings are really important when it comes to mental clarity. A cluttered space will not help you unclutter your mind. Organize your work space and keep things neat and clean.

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Try a change of scenery -

Sometimes, all we need is to get away from our familiar workplace. Go to another room, to a coffee shop, to another studio, outdoors—wherever you can work outside your regular workplace.

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Do something new -

Ditching your routine can really help. In addition to working in a different location, also try something new. This can be whatever experience you want to try, no matter how simple it may sound (e.g. cooking a meal).

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Go to a happy place (in your mind) -

Remembering happy experiences can have a positive impact on your mental health. You can do so by tapping into those happy memories by looking at photos or listening to a song that takes you back to those moments.

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Look at other people’s ideas -

See how other people dealt with the things you are trying to do/solve. You can learn from other people’s mistakes and successes.

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Focus on the present -

Being mindful of the present moment can help you feel grounded and give you mental clarity. This will consequently help you formulate answers to any questions you might have. You are here, now, and the present is all you have.

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Give yourself a break -

Be patient with yourself. Many of us get easily frustrated, because, after all, we want to do things, and do them well. It’s important that you not let frustration get the best of you. Give yourself a break and try to be patient.

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Change your mindset -

Sure it’s easier said than done, but you can surely give it a try. When self-limiting beliefs take over your mind, consciously address them as just thoughts, and replace them with positive thinking.

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Do something completely unrelated -

Instead of procrastinating, just do a completely unrelated task (e.g. do the dishes or call a friend). The simplicity of these tasks may help activate the creative part of your brain.

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Get physical -

Our bodies and minds are connected. Moving your body can have a positive effect on your mind and help you get over a mental block.

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Take a break -

For real. Don’t force it. Just stop trying. Sometimes, completely switching off can do wonders for mental blocks.

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Fake it until you make it -

Act as if your task is complete. Then pay attention to how you feel after you’ve “accomplished” your goal. Use these as fuel to actually complete your tasks. It will feel good!

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Dig for the causes -

Sometimes we just need to dig deep and identify what really is causing our mental block. Take self-doubt or perfectionism, for instance. Recognizing and accepting these may help unblock your mind.

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List your values -

How often do you stop and think about your values? Well, when you have a mental block, it’s a good time to do it! Write them all down and you can connect the dots and see how some of these may be linked to some of your mental blocks.

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Simply ask yourself “why?” -

Think about why you think, feel, and act a certain way in relation to the task ahead.

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Examine your mind -

Dig deep into your mental landscape and see if you are carrying any mental models that may be hindering your progress.

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Take the power away from the mental block -

A mental block is not an undefeatable monster. It happens to all of us, so it might help to accept it as natural.

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Transform your mental block -

Take charge of your mental blocks and act upon them accordingly. They exist, so you might as well use them. Can’t do X? Why not do Y instead? See them as opportunities to focus on something else, which, in turn, will help you overcome the mental block.

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Inspiration -

In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Sources: (Coaching Online)

See also: How to stop procrastinating right now

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