Have you ever woken up feeling unsettled, like something is just off—but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Maybe it’s a vague restlessness, a heaviness in your chest, or a feeling that you’re not fully yourself. You ask, Is this normal? Should I be worried? And most importantly, Where is this coming from—inside me or from the world around me?
The truth is, we all experience these moments. But instead of brushing them aside, what if we got curious about them?
- Identifying the Feeling: What Feels Off?
Before we can address what’s wrong, we need to define what we’re actually feeling.
- Is it physical—tiredness, tension, or discomfort?
- Is it emotional—a sense of sadness, frustration, or anxiety?
- Is it mental—overwhelm, distraction, or lack of focus?
- Is it energetic—like something is blocking your usual flow?
Simply naming the feeling can bring clarity and stop it from lingering in the background, unnoticed yet affecting everything.
- Inner or Outer Influence?
Once we’ve identified what’s off, the next question is: Where is this coming from?
- Internal causes: Sometimes, the feeling is triggered by something within—old beliefs, unresolved emotions, or misalignment between what we want and what we do.
- External causes: Other times, it’s the energy we absorb from our environment—work stress, a difficult conversation, the pressure of expectations, or even collective emotions from the world around us.
Noticing whether the root is internal or external helps us decide how to respond.
- Is It Normal? (Yes, But Don’t Ignore It)
Feeling off is completely normal—it’s part of the human experience. But what’s important is how we handle it. When we ignore discomfort, it lingers, builds up, and manifests in stress, burnout, or even physical symptoms. When we acknowledge it, we create space for solutions.
- What Can We Do About It?
- Pause & Reflect – Instead of pushing the feeling away, sit with it. Ask yourself: What is this emotion trying to tell me?
- Check Your Environment – Did something external trigger this? Are you absorbing energy that’s not yours?
- Realign – If the feeling stems from inner misalignment, consider: What do I need right now? More rest, a conversation, or a shift in perspective?
- Take Action (or Let Go) – Not all feelings need fixing. Sometimes, acknowledging them is enough. Other times, a small action—like movement, breathwork, or setting a boundary—can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The next time something feels off, don’t ignore it. Get curious. Because every emotion is a message, and the more we listen, the more we align with who we truly are.