Feeling Stuck? It Might Be Part of Getting Better

You’ve been doing the right things, making changes, showing up, and staying consistent, but it feels like you’ve stopped progressing. You’re not going backwards, but you’re not moving forward either.

Feeling stuck is a common part of recovery. It’s not a sign of failure, but rather a normal and temporary phase of healing.

Why Progress Sometimes Slows Down

Think of your body like a construction site. Sometimes the groundwork is done, but the structure needs time to settle before new changes can take hold.

Periods of slower progress might mean your body is:

• Adapting to recent improvements
• Conserving energy for the next stage
• Addressing deeper layers of recovery, you can’t see

This pause allows previous changes to stabilise before further progress occurs. It may feel frustrating, but it’s often a necessary part of moving forward with your recovery.

Frustration Can Indicate a Turning Point

That sense of frustration, the thought of “Why am I not improving anymore?”, can signal that change is on the horizon. These moments often happen when you’re close to shifting through a difficult patch.

It’s similar to the final stretch of a steep hill. Progress may feel slower, but that’s because you’re putting in the extra effort needed to get to the top.

Understanding Setbacks

Setbacks happen for many reasons. You might overexert yourself or face an increase in stress. These events can temporarily bring back symptoms, which can be discouraging.

But setbacks are not the same as failure. Instead, they’re opportunities to reflect and adjust. You might ask:

What changed recently? Is there something I could do differently next time?

Approaching these moments with curiosity instead of judgement can turn them into valuable learning points.

Getting Through Difficult Phases

During slower periods or setbacks, persistence is key. Continuing healthy habits, even when you feel unmotivated, can help you stay on track.

Small, consistent steps are more effective than big changes made all at once. You don’t need to do everything perfectly, just keep going.

Some helpful strategies include:

• Adjust your expectations: Accept that healing takes time and fluctuates.
• Seek support when needed: Speak with someone who understands your goals and concerns.
• Practise self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during more difficult phases.
• Focus on what you can control: Maintain the habits that support your body and mind.

A Temporary Holding Pattern

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean progress has stopped. Often, your body is quietly working in the background – repairing, adjusting, and preparing for the next phase.

Healing isn’t always obvious from the outside. But trust that your effort is contributing to long-term change.

Stay patient, stay consistent, and remind yourself that slower moments are still part of the journey forward.