Are you clogged up? 

Don’t worry, it happens to all of us from time to time.

Maybe you’re holding onto things that you don’t need and you can’t let them go. Maybe you don’t even know you’re holding them. 

Whether you’re clogged, free-flowing or unsure, I encourage you to do the things listed below. They might be a little strange, but they are therapeutic, and fun. 

Do these things one at a time, one per day. Or do them all in less than 20 minutes, it’s up to you.

Consider them plungers for the soul.

Sing. 
Sing loud and free! It doesn’t matter if you’re any good or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re singing a song or not. In fact, it’s probably best just let yourself make noises and let them develop on their own into melodies. Or you can start singing a song you like and drift into something new as you go. There are no rules or expectations.

Hug a tree. 
For real. Press your sternum against the trunk, bring your feet and legs close to the wood, and wrap your arms around it. Connect your third eye with the bark. Take three long, deep breaths. Exhale slowly. 

Move. 
Use a comfortable yet moderately vigorous pace. Get sweaty. Get tired. Take breaks but then get back to it. Do it all outside.

Make rhythm. 
Get funky or keep it simple. Use a drum, your body, or literally anything. Change patterns whenever you want or have no pattern at all. Do it for at least five minutes straight, preferably longer. Give your mind a chance to empty and be massaged by the rhythm.

Lay Down 
Do it with your face in the grass. Put your nose toward the ground, and take three slow, deep breaths. 

Sweat and chill
Let yourself get cold or hot. Allow yourself to feel the sensations caused by your body at work. Sweat. Shiver. Only for a few minutes.

If anybody says you’re weird for doing these things, ignore them.

Visit Five O’Clock Shadow for more of Todd’s writing, and check out his musical projects at toddfulginiti.com.