7 Tips for Dealing with Negative Emotions

“I believe in staying strong when everything seems to be going wrong.” ~Audrey Hepburn

With everything that has been going on in the news over the past few weeks, we are living in a time marked by intense emotions—some positive and some Negative. We all know that Negative Emotions are part of life, but it is often through the tough times that we learn the most and become stronger. It is easy to let negative emotions inundate us. While we cannot avoid negative emotions, we can work through them and not let them get the better of us as we move forward through our lives. Discussed below are important tips to keep in mind when we are faced with difficulties in our lives. These are not by any means “quick fixes” or substitutes for professional help, which may be necessary depending on the nature of your situation, but are nonetheless necessary steps to follow in order to move in the right direction.

1. Let yourself feel. Some people might think that showing emotion makes a person weak. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you are dealing with a tough situation that is invoking emotions in you, do not suppress them. Let yourself feel what you are feeling. Avoiding your negative emotions will only intensify them in the long run. The only way to come out of adversity stronger is to let your emotions run their course.

2. Do not neglect personal care. When we are overwhelmed with negative emotions, it can be hard to motivate ourselves to do anything. While we should certainly take the time we need to process everything we are feeling, this should not come at the expense of personal care. While you are feeling negative emotions, be sure that you are also eating healthy, sleeping enough, getting ample exercise, and attending to your personal hygiene. Not taking care of yourself will only delay the healing process and can compromise your physical health.

3. Talk to people. As humans, we are social creatures, and interactions with other human beings is powerful. Do not underestimate the impact that a conversation can have on your healing, whether it be with a loved one, an acquaintance, a mental health professional, or a stranger. Any person you talk to will be able to offer you a new perspective on your situation, can help you process your feelings, can provide you encouragement as you deal with whatever is going on in your life, or can simply offer a listening ear or a hug. Don’t be afraid to let other people know if you are struggling. Remember, this is not a sign of weakness, and everyone has dealt with negative emotions in their lives at one point or another. You might be surprised at what could happen when you let someone else in. Note that if someone is reaching out to you for help, they are taking a big step by letting you in. Thank them for doing so. Do not try to force them out of what they’re feeling. While it can be tempting to try to offer advice if you see someone struggling, it is important to take a step back and remember that they might not be looking for advice, but instead someone to listen to them. Ask them how you can be of support to them and what they might need or want from you.

4. Spend time outside. When negative emotions hit you, the comfort of your bed may be the only place you want to be. This is completely understandable, but being outdoors has powerful healing effects. Even if it’s no more than 5 minutes, and even if it’s only as far as your backyard, allow yourself to spend time outside.

5. Find a way to laugh or smile, even if it’s just a little bit. This tip may seem counter to letting yourself feel your negative emotions, but in fact, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Even as you let yourself feel negative emotions, try to do at least one thing a day that will make you laugh or smile, even if it is the last thing you want to do. Even a forced laugh or smile sends “feel-good” neurotransmitters to the brain, which can expedite healing and can put you in a better mood, even if this better mood is only short lived for the time being.

6. Breathe. This might seem obvious. After all, we cannot live without breathing in oxygen. However, when you are under stress and negative emotions overwhelm you, it is easy to forget to breathe. Make sure you pay attention to your breath.

7. Remember that what you’re feeling is not forever. There is no guarantee on how long your healing process will take. It could take hours, days, weeks, months, or years, and that is okay. Try not to put a time limit on feeling what you need to feel. However, just remember that each day that passes is bringing you closer to healing. Take this time to remember all that you have already overcome in your life. Remember the times when you were little when you fell while running and hurt yourself. At the time, it probably felt like your whole world was ending and that the pain would never go away. But eventually it did. Even if it takes longer, this time is not going to be any different. For better or for worse, nothing in life is permanent, and that includes the negative emotions you might currently be feeling. No matter how difficult your current situation is, just remind yourself of your resilience and that the pain will not last forever.

If you are looking for some support in dealing with any negative situations in your life or would like to be able to offer support to others, you can do it on Konversai. Konversai is the world’s first global marketplace for any and all human knowledge on any topic. This online platform allows providers of knowledge and seekers of knowledge to engage in one-on-one live video conversations. Konversai’s mission is to democratize knowledge, put the human connection back into the heart of technology, and make the world better by enabling meaningful and authentic conversations that benefit all parties involved. On Konversai, knowledge providers have the opportunity to share monetize their knowledge, skills, and experiences, all on their own time. If they don’t need the money, they can always hold sessions for free or donate their earnings to a charity of their choice. Meanwhile, knowledge seekers can enjoy personalized sessions on exactly what they’re looking for from an actual human being with whom they can interact. All users on Konversai are encouraged to be both providers and seekers of knowledge on any and as many topics as they wish. Whatever it is you’re looking to share or learn, now is the time, and Konversai is the place. Get started today!

“Promise me you will always remember: You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

By Pavita Singh

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