Top Four Tips To Move Through Negative Emotions
Do you ever have days when the negative emotions are spilling over and it feels like too much to handle?
Do you have moments where the tears don’t stop and the grief or anger just feel..really heavy?
And do you ever feel like you don’t want to tell a friend or family member because you don’t want to bring them down or maybe there are even feelings of shame?
I’m here to tell you that your feelings are ALLOWED. Your feelings are OKAY. And most of all...I would suggest that you create space to feel those feelings and begin to normalize them! There’s A LOT going on in the world right now! And asking us to be positive 100% of the time (even 85%) isn’t realistic. We all have shame and often times rather than open up we clam up. As a Cancer crab, my zodiac sign is tailor-made for the clam up. I now know it’s important for me to immediately stop the obsessive overthinking when I’m stressed and teach my clients all the tools of the trade to jump of the roller coaster of negative emotions.
Here’s the thing about so-called “negative emotions”...if we don’t feel them, we end up repressing them and trust me, it always comes back to bite you.
You’re probably thinking...okay so what do I do? Sit around on the couch, sulking and eating chips or chocolate? Maybe! But I have a few other suggestions…
JOURNALING:
Writing is a powerful way to express yourself, safely, freely, and without judgment. When you’re feeling particularly low I would suggest trying a practice called “morning pages.” Artist Julia Cameron, the inventor of “morning pages” - suggested setting the clock 15-20 minutes earlier than you normally do in the morning, and as soon as you get up - start freehand writing all your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Don’t overthink it - just write whatever is coming up. Allow this to be a sacred time for you to be in conversation with yourself.
MOVEMENT:
When we’re feeling down it can be hard to imagine being super active. But movement is medicine! Even if it’s a short walk, gentle yoga stretches, choosing a fun workout video, or even dancing, you’re going to feel the benefits!
MEDITATION:
There is so much evidence on the benefits of daily meditation. It helps reduce stress, control anxiety, promotes emotional health, enhances self-awareness, can generate kindness, and more! Try apps like Calm, Insight Timer, Headspace, Breethe, and Budhify. You can even choose specific meditations for moving through negative emotion and grief. Guided meditations are great for beginner & advanced practitioners alike. Check it.
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH:
Whether it’s with a coach, therapist or a loved one...remember you CAN reach out and say “Hey, I need support”. People can relate more than we think, and even if they don’t, just having a listening ear can do wonders for us. It isn’t about them solving our problems - it’s about expression and being heard. It’s okay to be vulnerable to the right people. Remember that.
Test these trusted tips when you need them. We all have to do whatever we can to offer ourselves a pick-me-up when we are down.
