7 Healthy Ways To Cope With Difficult Emotions

Negative emotions can really create havoc when you’re trying desperately to get your weight down.

When we feel low we often reach for our comfort foods, right?

During these times we need some good tools to help us stay stable.

Mental wellbeing plays a crucial role in our daily behavior, viewpoint and feelings. When we’re coping with difficult emotions, we have a hard time dealing with stress, overcoming challenges and building relationships.

It doesn’t matter how healthy, happy or resilient you may be, there are times in our lives when we’re faced with difficult experiences that may become too much for us to handle. And at times we try to work through it, other times we simply avoid whatever is bothering us, leaving it to fester and bubble inside. While it may be easier to just bury it all, it’s more productive if you accept them as a natural part of your life.

A super important part of actually dealing with emotions is acknowledging them and then finding healthy coping skills to deal with them. Without this process you are left with unhealthy options that can only lead to more problems down the road. Things like binge-eating or eating “naughty” foods.

You must become brave and fearless enough to deal with your emotions through trial and error until you find what works for you. The following strategies will help you deal with negative emotions and boost your mental health.

1 – Identify your emotions

Giving your emotions a name or label takes away their power and makes it easier for you to work through them. Feelings may vary in intensity, but they fall basically into 4 groups:

• anger

• sadness

• anxiety

• happiness

2 – Write your feelings in a journal or diary

Studies show that opening up by writing helps counteract or make sense of your feelings and experiences and puts things into perspective. When you categorize your thoughts, you can begin processing your feelings. Dealing with them becomes more accessible.

3 – Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend

Talking also provides an outlet for self-expression without fear of rejection or judgment. It counterbalances the negativity and builds confidence and trust. A support group or therapist is also a great way to deal with difficult emotions and be surrounded with people who face similar difficulties.

4 – Take a step back and look at the big picture

This will help you empathize with others’ suffering and realize that you’re not alone. Compassion produces a constructive attitude about life and helps you connect with others on many levels.

5 – Relaxation breathing techniques

Controlled breathing positively impacts your stress levels. Take in a slow deep breath while counting to 5, then hold it in for the count of 5 and exhale for the count of 5. Repeat this until you feel better. You’ll be surprised how such a simple exercise can have a good effect so fast.

6 – Positive imagery

Imagine someplace where you feel calm and at peace. It could be somewhere you’ve already been or wish to visit. Start with a mental image and try to concentrate on all the details, using all 5 senses. This is a great example of practicing mindfulness which helps reduce stress and anxiety.

7 – Throw away your negative emotions

It may be symbolic, but it gives such a strong sense of control over your negative feelings. Write down what’s bothering you on a piece of paper then scrunch it up and throw it away. If you like, you could also burn it. Do what you think would give you the most relief. Be creative. This helps you mentally let go of whatever is bothering you and helps you regain control.

These are just some ways to deal with stressful, difficult emotions, but there are dozens of other ways you can find healing and a way to get through your negative experiences. Like I said before, be creative and think of ways that suit you. The point is to find what makes you stronger and more capable of facing your fears.

While you may know by now that it’s not as easy as it sounds, all you need is to take that first, single step. You’ll become more resilient and better at finding healthier, more constructive ways to cope with your difficult emotions.