Dealing with negative feelings can be tough. Here’s a rundown of the approaches that helps me.
- Acknowledge What I’m Feeling
Don’t shove it down or pretend it’s not there. Name it—anger, sadness, frustration, whatever it is. Recognizing it can take away some of its power and help you figure out what’s driving it. - Talk or Write It Out
I talk to someone I trust, and vent to them. No one around? I Grab my laptop and dump my thoughts there. It doesn’t have to make sense—just let it flow. Sometimes seeing it outside my head makes it less overwhelming. - I Distract myself
I Dive into something that pulls my attention—I may try watching a war movie. For some reason I have a strong interest in the stress of WWII in Europe. I may go take a brisk walk and do a little huffing and puffing. I have been known to throw things or scream and yell. I have been told I am scary when I get mad. So, I try hard to contain anger feelings. - Take a nap
When it’s intense, I slow down, fortunately I go to sleep very easily and wake up refreshed and relaxed. Many times, after a short nap, my feelings have calmed down, allowing me to regain focus and clarity. I find that this simple act of resting not only rejuvenates my body but also helps to reset my mind, providing a much-needed pause. - Cut Yourself Some Slack
Negative feelings are a natural part of life. They do not signify weakness or failure. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without the burden of guilt for not maintaining a “positive” mindset at all times. It’s not about solving every issue; it’s about recognizing that you have some control. Remember, we are human, and perfection is not the goal.
TomT2.0 