The Positive Role of Negative Emotions

"Negative emotions make you feel uncomfortable, but they come about to alert you of something being wrong. Listen to that because they are there to help guide you in your next steps so things can feel right again. Hence, negative emotions play an important role in your life. But that doesn't mean they should play so loudly that they overpower the positive ones. Here is how to avoid that from happening and to get the most out of your negative emotions:

1. When you notice a negative emotion, become aware of it.

Don't fight it, resist it, deny it or change it. Notice it without judgment or frustration. Simply notice it for what it is. A negative emotion.

2. Give a label to the negative emotion you feel.

Call it stress, fear, anxiety, sadness, or whatever it is that you are feeling. Simply give it the first label that comes to mind.

3. Say “I feel X” rather than “I am X.”

X is the label you have given the negative emotion you are experiencing at that specific moment. For example, “I feel lost,” “I feel stressed,” “I feel anxious,” or “I feel upset.” Make sure to say, “I feel upset,” rather than “I am upset.” You are creating a separation between yourself and the negative emotion by saying feel rather than am. You reinforce that the emotion you are feeling is fleeting and not a permanent part of who you are. This allows you to acknowledge it from a rational perspective, which in turn gives it less power and makes it easier to overcome.

4. Ask yourself: “What is making me feel this way?”

Exploring the reason behind the negative emotion will make it easier for you to manage it. When did this negative emotion come about? What happened that made it start? Why do you think it made you feel this way? Maybe you’re on the wrong path and need to adjust your sails. Maybe you’ve been mistreated and want to fight for your rights. It could even be that you’re in real danger, under too much stress, or something just feels wrong. Or perhaps you’re just having an off day and know you’ll be feeling better tomorrow. That’s ok too.

Remind yourself that happiness isn’t the absence of negative emotions but your ability to deal with them. Being able to acknowledge them is what helps you to make peace with them. Then, once you’re ready, you can start exploring why you are feeling them and what – if anything- you can do differently in your day or life to feel less of them tomorrow."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

How do you deal with negative emotions?

#Negativity #EmotionalRegulation #Emotions #MentalHealth