Shifting Emotions
WOOP is an acronym that stands for
Wish Outcome Obstacle Plan
Imagine the outcome (e.g. creating better communication/interaction)
The obstacle (e.g., obsessing over the offensive statement that was made)
The plan (e.g. if you feel triggered by the statement you step back for a while and come back after you feel calmer)
It is a science-based mental strategy that can assist us in overcoming the barriers that stand in our way of reaching our objectives, especially those related to emotional control. For instance, avoid losing your temper or falling into a pit of sadness and rumination.
Participation question:
How do you manage emotions that you find too hard to confront in the moment?
Helpful Videos:
'Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You'
Helpful Resources:
No, you don't always have to confront your feelings right away
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@amiablePeace77
Woop! Is an interesting concept 🤗🩷
When I have overwhelming emotions, I put my phone away, and all devices because I'd be liable to say anything , I can be reactive, so I need to be alone, off out for a run, earphones, music blasting, and allow myself space and time alone with my thoughts, sometimes people have the best of intentions but then they end up minimising what you are feeling 🩷🤗
@Amanda84
It's good to have that much awareness on how you might react and know what helps best 👍
@amiablePeace77
The WOOP plan is a good thing thanks for sharing.
I have avoided difficult things or said all the wrong things
I think if I can think about WOOP I can recognize the wished for outcome has some obstacles that need a plan.
@toughTiger6481
I hope WOOP will help you in future to deal with difficult situations.
@amiablePeace77
The other night when I was in bed, scrolling through Fb, I stopped to watch a long "short" of an American comedian called Josh Johnson, who was describing a scene in San Francisco between a Brazilian tourist, a pirate, a coffee barista and two nudists. I was laughing so hard my nose was running, my glasses were clouded and the dog went to sleep elsewhere because the bed was shaking.
It was very hard for me to cool down and find sleep after that, so I decided that if Josh Johnson appeared on my feed again, I should not watch it when I should be sleeping.
Depending on the emotion felt and why, there are times when you just can't - it's too big of a sad event. Sipping water might help with tears. Walking away from the situation before it escalates even further is another device, if feasible. Receiving bad news at certain times of the day requires that you change activity (do something with your hands, like brooming the floor) so it puts a space for you to cool down before you act on the situation.
How do you manage emotions that you find too hard to confront in the moment?
@Fradiga
Getting some space and focusing on something else, like you mentioned (brooming the floor), to cool down can prevent further stress. I believe it's a good strategy to deal with overpowering situations.
Will check this comedian tonight; I am always in for some fun. 😃
@amiablePeace77
you won't regret it!
How would this work for dealing instead with numbness and isolation? 🤔 Like, wanting to feel and do more, but feeling and in some practical ways, being, stuck...
@memyselfandmoth
Numbness, isolation, and feeling stuck are difficult states to be in. I hope the WOOP technique and also the resources on the site (self-help guides) will help. Often people find help by sharing what's going on in their lives. To connect with your feelings and be less isolated would be a goal (or wish). How would your future look (outcome)? What prevents you from reaching the point you want to reach (obstacles)? What could help to get there (plan) is starting regular exercises, like walks outside, to connect with your surroundings. These are just some thoughts. Connecting with our feelings and our surroundings can be quite challenging. I hope you will find the support you need with the resources and support of a listener/therapist on the site.
@amiablePeace77
How do you manage emotions that you find too hard to confront in the moment?
I don't manage. I just cry. I get angry and I scream internally or externally depending on the environment I'm in. Later I explain myself how the topic of concern is insignificant and shouldn't trouble me, that I'm strong and I can handle everything.
@trueconfidant123
Emotions can significantly override our logical thinking. Something that helps me is taking a step back and practicing deep breathing to calm down and find balance.
"I'm strong and I can handle everything"—Glad you use this phrase. It could be a great mantra!
I use mindful breathing a lot, and I’ll also go on walks outside. It gets really hard because when I’m hurting, I don’t like to be alone, then at the same time, when I’m hurting, I don’t have a choice but to be alone. So it’s really nice to have tools and communities like 7cups to participate in and contribute to my healthy coping skills, so I’m distracted in a healthy way and I’m not tempted to turn to alcohol or drugs.
@RickestRick86
So happy to hear that you chose the healthy way instead of drugs! 👍
Me too!
@amiablePeace77
How do you manage emotions that you find too hard to confront in the moment?
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
So sorry to hear that you're not doing so well 💙. I find when I ignore a situation/feelings, it's like putting it in a drawer, but the drawer reopens again and again until I take the time and courage to process the drawer contents. It can help to hear the perspective of another trusted person.
@amiablePeace77 Thank you ami 💛