5 Positive Thoughts for When You Feel Awful

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1. A small change can make a big difference.

When it feels like the weight of something is crushing us, a small change can make a surprisingly big difference. This could include the following:

• Doing something you want to do for yourself.
• A small amount of support, even if it doesn't solve your problem.
• A change in your routine, like a few days away.
• Doing a task you've put off due to it feeling emotionally difficult.

2. Our predictions are often wrong.

When we feel low, we often have thoughts like "Nothing will make a difference" or "This problem has no solution, and, therefore, I'll feel this way forever" or "The solutions I can try probably won't work." Even if a situation feels difficult to solve, you never know until you try.

3. We can often feel better without solving our worst problem.

Sometimes we think we won't feel better until a particular problem is solved. However, even if you can't find a solution to the problem you most want to fix (such as ill health or a behavioral issue with your child), you can often find ways to pick up your mood in the meantime.

4. It's OK to not look on the bright side or identify a silver lining.

For example:

• "This might be awful, but it could be worse." or
• "This might be awful, but other people have it worse, and I have a lot to be grateful for." or
• "I'm getting mentally stronger due to this difficult experience. There are silver linings." or
• "There are upsides to the predicament I'm in. It wasn't what I wanted, but there are advantages to it."

You don't need to make any of these mindset shifts. If they help you, great—go for it. However, if these mental shifts don't help, it's OK not to make them. There isn't a right or wrong approach. It's OK to be unhappy with a situation you're in and not look for the silver linings.

5. It's OK to have peaks and valleys in your mental health.

How you cope with feeling blue doesn't need to be the same at all times. Sometimes you might want to make room for your difficult feelings and allow those to land. You feel them without attempting to brush them off. Other times you might want to prod yourself to improve your mood through behavioral changes or attitude shifts. Sometimes you may feel like you can cope, other times not."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are some of your favorite positive thoughts?

#Positivity #PositiveThoughts #Mindset

If you like this article, please check out "Some positive quotes to get you through the day!"