At some point, everyone experiences that “icky” feeling—an internal discomfort, a sense of awkwardness, or a general unease about oneself. It can stem from a variety of sources: bad habits, self-doubt, negative social interactions, or even feeling disconnected from personal values.

If you find yourself wanting to stop feeling “icky” and start feeling more confident, clear-headed, and at peace with yourself, here are a few strategies to help you reset.

1. Identify the Source of the Ickiness

Before you can change how you feel, you need to figure out what is causing the discomfort. Ask yourself:

• Did I do something that went against my values?
• Have I been around people who drain my energy or make me feel off?
• Have I been neglecting my health, hygiene, or personal growth?
• Is there unresolved guilt or shame that I haven’t addressed?

Pinpointing the root cause makes it easier to take action.

2. Cleanse Your Mind and Body

Sometimes, feeling physically refreshed can help reset your mindset:

• Take a long shower or bath. Water has a way of making you feel renewed.
• Change into clean, comfortable clothes.
• Eat a nutritious meal instead of processed junk that weighs you down.
• Hydrate—dehydration can subtly impact mood and energy.

A small act of self-care can create an immediate shift in how you feel.

3. Address Lingering Regret or Shame

If your ickiness is tied to something you said or did, take responsibility and make amends where necessary:

• Apologize if you hurt someone, even if it is uncomfortable.
• Forgive yourself if you made a mistake—learning from it is more important than dwelling on it.
• If you are feeling socially awkward, remind yourself that people rarely think about your mistakes as much as you do.

Guilt and shame thrive in avoidance. Facing them head-on can help clear that heavy, lingering feeling.

4. Remove Negative Influences

Sometimes, the ick is not about you—it is about the people and environments you expose yourself to. Ask yourself:

• Do certain social interactions leave me feeling worse about myself?
• Am I consuming content (social media, news, entertainment) that makes me feel bad?
• Do I need to distance myself from toxic relationships or bad habits?

Reducing exposure to energy-draining people, places, or habits can dramatically improve how you feel.

5. Do Something That Aligns With Your Values

Often, the best way to stop feeling icky is to do something that makes you proud of yourself:

• Help someone without expecting anything in return.
• Finish a task you have been procrastinating.
• Express yourself creatively—write, draw, sing, or play an instrument.
• Move your body—go for a walk, stretch, or exercise to release tension.

Acting in alignment with your values and goals restores self-trust and pushes out the lingering discomfort.

6. Change Your Focus

If you have done everything you can and still feel off, shift your attention outward:

• Get some fresh air—being outside can change your perspective.
• Engage in something immersive, like a hobby or a challenging task.
• Spend time with people who uplift you—laughter and connection can break the cycle of negativity.

The more you focus on positive engagement rather than dwelling on discomfort, the quicker the icky feeling fades.

Final Thoughts

Feeling icky is a sign that something is out of balance—whether physically, emotionally, or socially. Instead of ignoring it, use it as a signal to check in with yourself, clean up what needs to be addressed, and realign with who you want to be.

You do not have to be perfect to feel good about yourself—you just need to take intentional steps toward clarity, confidence, and self-respect.