3 Ways to Overcome Feelings of Emptiness

"Numbness is not an uncommon feeling, manifesting as a combination of confusion, loneliness, a lack of motivation, and a disinterest in our surroundings. It can often emerge ‘out of nowhere’ with no particular cause.

Of course, it is a state like any other – and all states change over time. Here are three things you can do to go from feeling nothing to feeling better.

1. Find something to look forward to each and every day

Meaningless living with no pleasure leaves us with a constant feeling that something is missing. To break out of this destructive cycle, you may consider finding things to look forward to. Here are some questions that can help:

• What specific thing can make me happy today?
• What is a simple, achievable target I can set for myself?
• What can I get rid of that is adding to my stress?

2. Let the past be

Unprocessed events from our past keep unresolved feelings buried within us. Any overwhelming event, painful childhood memory, or significant loss – when left unexplored – eventually catches up to us.

When we choose to ignore and live in a state of denial, we fuel the void growing within us – deepening our feelings of numbness. A few ways to let go of the history that is holding you back are to:

• Bring the past to the present and process it in the here and now. Think of your life as ‘what it is now’ rather than ‘what it was at one time.’
• Keep an open mind. Allow yourself to let go of old beliefs to make space for new ones.
• Pay gratitude for all of the things that bring you happiness rather than focusing on what has been lost.

3. Choose to be self-compassionate

One way to restore your sense of self-compassion when you feel overburdened by others who need your support is to practice self-affirmations. Research suggests that simply reminding ourselves of the values we hold dear has a positive impact on our well-being and also protects us against upcoming threats and challenges.

Here are some questions to reflect upon to help you increase your level of self-compassion.

• How do I treat myself when I don’t live up to my expectations?
• Do I give myself time to engage in activities I like?
• Do I assert myself and uphold my boundaries?
• Do I tend to my social, emotional, and physical needs?
• Do I spend more time on social media comparing myself to others rather than focusing on myself?"

Read the full article on Psychology Today

✨Takeaway: To break out of the destructive cycle of emptiness, you may consider finding things to look forward to, letting go of the past, and choosing self-compassion over self-criticism. Choosing to be self-compassionate is important in restoring your sense of self and reducing feelings of emptiness.

✨Reflection: What specific things can you do to practice self-compassion and increase your level of self-care?

#Emotions #Empty #Feelings #Depression #MentalHealth

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