If your emotions are getting the best of you, you’re not alone. Many people do not know how to deal with feelings. They push them down and address them at other times when it’s more convenient for them. The bad thing about this is that negative emotions have a way of creeping into conversations that have nothing to do with what caused them in the first place. By having an outlet for negative feelings, you’re able to deal with them in a positive and productive way.
Here are four tips for overcoming overwhelming emotions:
- Stop multitasking. In a world that prides efficiency, you’re likely to be pressured to perform. It can be very overwhelming quickly. That’s why it’s important to focus on one single task at a time. If you see it through to completion, you’ll have less stress. Decide what the three most important tasks for the day will be. Give yourself enough time to complete each but don’t forget to take regular breaks. Stretch your legs. Get a breath of fresh air or a cold drink of water. You’ll avoid the feelings associated with overwhelm that way.
- Focus on the present moment. We often get stuck in the past or worried about the future. It robs us of the precious present moment we’re experiencing. If you find yourself troubled about what has already happened or what may or may not occur, try meditating. The objective is to clear the mind of worries. Close your eyes and slowly count to ten. Try not to think about anything troubling. If you find that you’re too distracted, keep counting from one to ten until you feel your muscles relaxing. You can do this just about anywhere you go except behind the wheel of a car.
- Practice deep breathing. WikiHow suggests doing the following to invite relaxation into your life. To start, count to four while inhaling slowly. You’ll want to make sure that you feel the air in your nose. Hold your breath for seven seconds and then exhale for eight seconds. You’ll want to do this four times for a total of four breaths. You can practice this relaxation technique any time your emotions get the best of you. It helps calm and soothe you. Relaxation techniques are worth learning because they help combat overwhelming emotions.
- Decide which one action you want to take. Be proactive in whatever way you know how. Select one task to complete no matter how small it may be. Praise yourself for getting it done. It can be very hard to do anything at all when we’re feeling down. That’s why it’s good to give yourself positive reinforcement whenever you do something other than obsess over your thoughts and feelings.
When it comes to dealing with our feelings, we must first learn how to process them positively. By accepting that emotions come and go, we’re able to make better decisions concerning our health and well-being. If you’re having a hard time dealing with overwhelming emotions and they’re intensifying with time, seek medical help as soon as you can.
