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Being overwhelmed by our feelings is something that happens all too often, I know I personally feel this a lot. Nevertheless, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We are humans and it is okay to feel things. The important thing to know is that we are in control of how we react when we feel certain things.
What helps you get through really tough feelings???
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I totally agree. We are human. We have feelings. It’s not good or bad, although it may feel uncomfortable, but it IS normal. I think sometimes we are made to believe that somehow discomfort is wrong, and that is means something bad. In fact, it is ok and normal. It just “is” and it’s a part of our existence. Thank you for reminding me of this!
I was actually just thinking about this last night, Luz! In the midst of my insomnia, I was thinking about why it is so hard for me to let go of things- for me to let go of feelings. Late at night, especially, I get very overwhelmed by all that I am feeling. I know I shouldn’t- but it’s those “toilet bowl” thoughts that just swirl out of control. I start thinking about something small.. and all of a sudden, I am thinking about the world crumbling down on me. I find the best way to handle these destructive thoughts is to snuggle up with my cat, and focus on his purrs. When I focus on his purrs moving in and out, I can imagine myself in a calm place, and I can put some of these thoughts to rest (literally!).
I definitely agree with you guys that often times we are made to believe that when we are experiencing intense emotions there automatically MUST be something wrong. But over the past couple of years I’ve come to realize that this isn’t the case at all. We are allowed to feel. We are allowed to show and express our emotions, and in the midst of that we are still going to have off days and that’s still okay. We aren’t robots, so why do we have to pretend to be emotionless?
Right Luz! I don’t remember what it was that made this click, and it was very recently! But it was a huge aha! moment. I know I have been rejecting and catastrophizing my feelings for a long time, and I am now beginning to try to acknowledge and accept them as normal and healthy parts of my life. I have even began to try to appreciate my anxiety for the heightened awareness and self-reflection it gives me.
I was actually recently considering this and music has helped me a lot in the last year. Whenever I get overwhelmed or have one of my panic attacks, music seems to really calm me down. I know this is also the case with many others as well. Just putting my feelings out there.
I usually listen to music. Different genres of music can help me through certain things. I also try to write about it. Just writing everything down helps me get it out of my mind and try to find a conclusion for it. When I am really stuck in a problem or super anxious about something I try to see it in a positive light and write about what lessons I am learning from it. How is this event or issue shaping me? How am I handling it, is there a better way, are there certain things that trigger specific emotions? I also take long walks. Solitude often helps me soothe myself and just stay in silence for a little while. Leaving behind your phone and people can help you focus on what is really important to you and help you get a better grip on your thoughts.
Music and writing are definitely two things that help me when I am feeling extremely overwhelmed with my emotions. Listening to different musical genres can help me express and get out different things I need to get out. For example, I may listen to a very angry rap song that I know all the lyrics to if I am feeling mad, or a very sappy love song if I am feeling sad or heartbroken. In addition, I often like to write because it provides me with an outlet to both express my innermost thoughts and a place to be most creative. Through writing, I can make up the silliest stories that don’t necessarily have to make any sense just as a way to distract my mind. Thanks for sharing what helps you guys and reminding me of these tools that I have used before!