NOM
Feeling flat and numb like NOM can sometimes be an attempt to keep ourselves from feeling uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, stress, or sadness. Disconnection can provide temporary relief, but it can also block out our ability to feel joy.
If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional numbness, we’re here to help you better get a better understanding of what is going on inside.
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Feeling flat, numb, or simply nothing at all happens sometimes. And that’s why we’ve asked our friend NOM to help us better understand disconnection so that you can begin to tap into a range of emotions and feel your best.
Symptoms of emotional numbness can include:
- An inability to fully experience day-to-day life
- Lack of access to feelings
- Feeling flat physically and emotionally
- Isolation or lack of interest in social activities
You’re far from alone in experiencing numbness.
To loved ones, this numbness or isolation may feel like being shut out. Whether its you or a loved one feeling numb or disconnected, these feelings can be challenging!
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
Feeling flat, numb, or simply nothing at all happens sometimes. And that’s why we’ve asked our friend NOM to help us better understand disconnection so that you can begin to tap into a range of emotions and feel your best.
Symptoms of emotional numbness can include:
- An inability to fully experience day-to-day life
- Lack of access to feelings
- Feeling flat physically and emotionally
- Isolation or lack of interest in social activities
You’re far from alone in experiencing numbness.
To loved ones, this numbness or isolation may feel like being shut out. Whether its you or a loved one feeling numb or disconnected, these feelings can be challenging!
That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you:
How can we help?
Feeling emotionally disconnected from the things that usually boost our mood, like hobbies or loved ones, can be difficult to cope with. This type of numbness can come up when we’re avoiding tough emotions, like stress or fear.
By practicing self-compassion, getting curious about your experience, and reaching out for support, you can begin to better connect to whatever feelings may arise.
Here are NOM’s tips to help:
Make time for movement
Regular physical activity has been shown to increase total sleep time and quality, so try moving your body in any way that feels good for you. Just make sure to avoid any rigorous physical activity within two hours of bedtime since this might make it difficult for you to settle down.
Listen to music
Do you have a favorite playlist that makes you feel something? Maybe you try a pop dance mix or an emotional ballad to see what emotions they bring up. Be your own DJ by experimenting with how different types of music affect your mood.
Journal it all out
Writing down our thoughts and feelings can be a powerful tool in observing and processing what we’re experiencing in the moment. And it can improve our mood and lower stress. This is your judgment-free zone to let it ALL out!
Try a progressive muscle technique
One way to reduce tension and connect with your body is by using a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. Find a quiet space and tense up the muscle groups throughout your body, one by one, and then relax them.
Does your child seem numb or distant? Emotional numbness is often an unconscious protective response to feeling tough emotions, like stress or fear.
Symptoms of emotional numbness include:
- An inability to fully experience day-to-day life
- Lack of access to feelings
- Isolation or lack of interest in social activities
By asking your child curious questions, providing ongoing support, and opening up the narrative surrounding emotions, you can help them to better connect with whatever feelings arise. The team at Bend, along with our friend NOM, is here to guide you.
Get creative
Coloring can be a great activity to reduce stress. Show off your artistic skills and share a photo to social media tagging @hellobendhealth so we can see your creations.
Get moving as a family
Is there something small you can do to move together as a family? Maybe taking a walk outside after dinner or tossing the ball around in the backyard.
Practice deep breathing together
Simple breath work is a clinically-proven way to relax the body and mind, decrease heart rate, and lower stress levels. You can show your child how to put their hand on their belly and chest and to take deep breaths in through the nose, hold, and then out slowly through their mouth.
If you or your child are having difficulty feeling connected to their day-to-day life and those around them, consider reaching out to learn more about how we can help. The Bend team uses evidence-based techniques to navigate emotional challenges so that everyone can feel their best.