Breaking free from the Resistance Loop
Many of us will have experienced the feeling that we know something is good for us yet our brain resists accepting it. Resistance is something we all face daily when attempting to do something important. We are hardwired to stay with what gives us comfort and because we practise staying comfortable most of the time we strengthen this default thinking. This is why the habit of delaying or avoiding important tasks (procrastination), even when we know it will harm us in the long run, is so common.
Here are some ways that can help to get out of the loop of mental resistance:
1. Understand that resistance isn’t personal and affects everyone. It’s a natural part of our psychological processes, often arising when we encounter change or new ideas.
2. Body awareness. Physical sensations like muscle tensions, headaches or other symptoms of discomfort are often a sign of resistance. Be mindful of these changes in your body as they can provide valuable information about what’s happening internally.
3. Acceptance is powerful. Acknowledge that feeling uncomfortable with a new idea or situation is normal. Treat yourself particularly kindly during this time to move through the resistance with more ease.
Remember, progress often involves pushing through resistance. By practicing these steps, you’ll build resilience and find more ease in navigating life’s challenges.
Participation question
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept?
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop?
Helpful Videos:
Helpful Resources:
How to Overcome Resistance (and Get What You Want in Life)
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
Kindly click here and fill out this short form to add or remove your names from the taglist
Taglist Updated 8/5/24 @4Jasmine @adventureawaits777 @adventurousBranch3786 @AlexMbale @allen99 @allnaturalWillow7138 @alysianna @ambitiousGlobe3422 @ambitioushope1234 @amiablePeace77 @Ashy123 @augustine1304 @balderasdavid799 @BeamsOfHope00 @Beepyy @bence2 @bestThinker1986 @BlackyDragon @blissedNblessed @bobw @bouncyFireworks3811 @blueAcai236 @candybubblegumsprinkles @CaringSub @Brittanny17 @calmcoral @CatHanderOutNoah @charmaeausty @courageousPomegranate766 @creativeCar5713 @creatingHealthyOutcome @crystalclearnow @CyclingThroughLife @daydreammemories @dlynn88911221 @Desmynn6789 @dysfunctionjunction1224 @EllyMerelyn @emotionalPenguin4374 @empathicPresence9091 @endure777 @enthusiasticAcai2032 @enthusiasticBeach8170 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @exuberantStrawberries9544 @FaithMagic @fearlessCup8704 @FleurdeNeige @FlowerEV777 @FracturedPurple @Fradiga @fruityPond7887 @Genlistener @geribear @Gettingbettertoday @Ghasaq997 @GlitteryHearts @GoldenNest2727 @gregariousField7151 @gva1audi @hardworkingBeechwood6063 @heartstopper13 @helpfulDime0407 @Hereforyouall144 @hopefaith2011 @imaginativepear6493 @ingeniousLove9924 @intuitivepixie1331 @Jordan1872 @k87 @Kenn13chan @kindcircle3085 @kateeew @kindRiver6 @Lauren63 @Leahm9703 @LisaMeighanMBPsS @lovelycoacoa @magneticDreamer6447 @meaningfulSilence @mia4819 @Mich765 @miraculousTouch2949 @miresama @modestTangerine2193 @MoonMomm @Mscooper2789 @mytwistedsoul @nessa104 @NotAllHere713 @oa4me @Oceansky93 @OneErased @onkia122 @orangypie @paperBird3348 @patientwater @peacefulRainbow05 @peachyOctopus9691 @PhilosophicalModel @PiecesOfWhoeverIWas @PinkTriangle133 @pioneeringHuman7775 @politeGrapefruit179 @pompom @PurpleHearts7 @QueerChaos259 @rachelkb123 @raddogme @Rainboho @Randumuser1 @redirecting @reguna reservedOwl6476@fighton @reservedPark4029 @Rod88 @RogueOne1983 @Scarletpear1945 @ShapeshiftSystem @SilverSeastar @slothgurl17 @soulsings @SparklyFly @sorrowedbunny1256 @SpongeBob2021 @Squidward @stephbrent @SugareeIsMe091121 @summerkay2024 @tallWalker4850 @ThadSterling @theroadisbright @thesoda @thoughtsbubbleexpress @ThoughtfulMomma @tifecandy @tinywhisper11 @tiredbubble00 @toughLand5970 @UniversalSmile @warmheart0890 @WentToBruv @waves @WorriedMagpie @WorkingitThrough2 @yzzil @zeffa @Zeraphim @Zsazsa524
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept?
I tend to resist a lot. Lately I try to imagine giving my stresses to a higher power. I focus on letting go and trust. I tell myself it will work out as it should. I’ve been noticing that many times the thing I’m worried about has been going away on its own, so if I kept worrying it would be for nothing. That helps me worry a little less the next time.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop?
I remind myself that I’m brave and can do it. When I feel I’m resisting and trying to run/hide) I try to do the opposite of my fear. I try to think of the benefits of how this will help me in the long run.
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
You seem to handle it very well. Positive and encouraging self-talk can be very helpful!
So sorry for the late reply to your post.
@amiablePeace77 Thank you ❤️ some days I handle it better than others.
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept? I try to see them from a different angle.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop? I try to find some benefit for this thing.
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept? time and support
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop? sometime taking it outta but most of the time nothing as I am vary stubborn
@alysianna
It takes quite some strength to convince our stubborn minds to accept changes. I'm glad though that you reach out for support as well.
@amiablePeace77
I try to my wont give me my phone so I can only ask adults or my ppl I see at school if I a lucky
@amiablePeace77 o have physical tensions also to the muscles knots it’s painful
@dhabib
That's sounds really painful. Here are 2 videos about progressive muscle relaxation. I hope they help
Progressive muscle relaxation https://www.7cups.com/exercises/mindfulness12/
https://youtu.be/5q3K-6HvQIk?si=QcYAc4ngnUf-gdgt
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept?
Depends on what it is I’m finding it difficult to accept. For one example, the way society is now and how people treat each other and all the other negative realities we’re living in, I listen to music that deals with not wanting these realities to exist and want better changes. If what’s already out there in the music industry relating to this doesn’t satisfy me at all or not enough, I write my own song centered on this subject.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop?
Practice living out of that loop. Practice always helps make anything as close to perfect as humanly possible.
@akunknown
It's impressive that you also write your own song. Do you also sing it?
No mastering without practise!
@amiablePeace77
Yes I do sing it despite *** at singing 😂 😂
@akunknown
Singing what you write can double the effect! 😀
@amiablePeace77
It most definitely will double the effect! Maybe even triple or quadruple the effect?? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept?
I let them be, avoid if possible. There are certain things that you just can't avoid so making peace with it is the only way forward sometimes.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop?
Hope for something better does. There's so many stories we can step into if we just take a step forward so sometimes you just have to trust :)
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept? It depends on the situation. In extreme cases, I freeze. My mind goes blank and I stop breathing. Sometimes I avoid things out of fear, even things I know I need to do I put off.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop? I haven't found a way to escape my resistance loop yet. I know how important the things I am avoiding are, but I am torn between fear and honestly, not caring. I have a therapist who is trying to work with me through some of my overarching issues, but its a process. Sometimes I wonder how it would be if I had some support outside of therapy.
@NotAllHere713
It must be hard for you knowing important things have to be done but you can't because you feel "frozen". It can be helpful to connect with a listener for a 1:1 chat share and maybe explore ways to see things from a different perspective.
What are some thought provoking questions you could ask yourself when feeling stuck?
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept?
I have choices, rightly or wrongly ( or somewhere in between), to accept that hardship. I know- vague. But things fluctuate on a daily basis, to not consider all options, I find, limits choices. It really depends.....
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop?
Resistance loop?
@CaringSub
Reminding yourself that you have choices and being mindful to make the helpful ones is a great way to help yourself.
Resistance loop: When you feel caught up in the thoughts of resisting to do something
@amiablePeace77
Reminding yourself that you have choices and being mindful to make the helpful ones is a great way to help yourself.
My rebuff (with respect): I know I have choices. Choices is what has gotten me to where I am now, rightly or wrongly. For the second part of making helpful ones, etc. makes me 'cringe', as I feel it means I need to 'bend' down to what society wants. Again. If I did that, life might be easy-peasy along alot lines, but my internal self will suffer, due to 'bowing' to what society 'expects/wants' from me - whether carreer, identity, etc.
Resistance loop: When you feel caught up in the thoughts of resisting to do something
Answer: Because what I want to do, age, and massive debt are the ultimate resistence. No $$$, no do something. And that is my thruth.
@CaringSub
I apologize if I said something that made you cringe Caring. This was not my intention. Something I learned the hard way in dealing with people who did not accept me for who I am is that I cannot force them and being mindful (without bending down) often helps more than direct confrontation. I really hope things will get a turn for the better for you.
@amiablePeace77
I respect your answer. Thank you. However, the more 'mindful' I become, the more I am letting go of who I am, just to appease society and the masses, and lose more of who I am. I 'submit' not because of enlightenment,etc,. but because I recognize I am tired. I am tired of fighting for having to defend my existence, even though it is law in my country.I can be as mindful to the farther reaches of the universe for mindfulness, but it does not change my everyday life.My real life really isn't as bad I think. My 7 Cups life, outside of 1 on 1 chats, is strife with conflict with Admins & leaders. I stick around here, as there are still LGBTQ+ people who are reaching out, albeut, harder to support now that the LGBTQ room is gone. Makes me feel things are going backwards on this platform. :(
My two cents (plus inflation - lol)
@CaringSub sorry for the loiss os the LGBTQ room. There is a way around this and that is to host regular LGBTQ discussions or open chats for LGBTQ. Have you considered that?
@amiablePeace77
How do you deal with things you find hard to accept? That’s simple I just don’t accept them 😂😂😂😂😂 No seriously I distance myself from them whether it’s things or people.
What helps you to get out of the resistance loop? Focusing my attention, energy, and everything else on something else, particularly something that’ll benefit me now and/or in the future. What that something else is specifically really depends on what time it is. Like if it’s early morning I’m not going to sleep again after just waking up 😂😂😂😂😂