Coping with negative feelings

woman in sitting on a couch
Daily writing prompt
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

First of all, all feelings are ok. There are not good or bad feelings. Some feelings are uncomfortable but they are not dangerous. It is important to allow yourself and others to feel their feelings. As long as they are not hurting anyone or anything there is not a problem.

Second of all, coping skills are great to have to get you through the moment. There are not a long term solution. They tend to fall into one of two categories: avoidance and distraction.

At some point you need to allow yourself to feel your feelings to learn that they are uncomfortable at times, but not dangerous. Feeling anxious about taking a test is normal. Avoiding the test is not a solution and distracting yourself before or during the test is not going to end well. You are merely delaying the fact that you have to take the test or fail.

Allow yourself to feel anxious about the test ( you can using calming techniques here) but be mindful that anxiety is not going to take over. The more you avoid feeling anxious, the more the anxiety builds.

We are not meant to go through life constantly feeling comfortable and happy. Avoiding feelings just makes the inevitable explosion of feelings painful. Allow yourself to feel the ups and downs of emotions. Appreciate when you are feeling up and allow yourself to feel down. You know it will not last forever and you will eventually return to feeling ok.

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