“To be in a state of joy, happiness and to feel completely satisfied”, is what that all of us need. If we can feel this way all day, every day, why shouldn’t we be able to? But then, there is something we call “emotions”. But depending on the situation and the people involved in that particular story or chapter in our lives. It can end up becoming difficult with emotions. However and importantly, we must know that mindfulness is one key to overcoming difficult emotions.
People we meet in our life story
Happiness and sadness is the norm in life. So in between happiness and sadness, there are also the people we meet in our daily life. These certain people can make up our day, weeks, months and even years. Some of these people are just passing and some are meant to stay. It’s tough to tell who is with us and for us.
We will meet a lot of people who will try to help us during our downtimes. Then there are those situations or people who may trigger or contribute to harder times. All of these happen in our lives. It creates the memories we make along the way. Sometimes they remain even if the event has long passed. All of the mixed memories may end up being a drag. It’s not only our emotional strength but also our mental health. We all go through this and no one on earth is exempted from having to deal with mixed or difficult emotions. The only difference is, some handle their emotions a lot better than others.
When not so desirable events happen in our lives, some handle the stress better. We all go through downtimes, but we all deal with our stress and stressors in varied ways. Some just can’t hide their emotions while others act as nothing had ever happened. The latter does not work for very long because it is a temporary remedy and it is not genuine.
Mindfulness for difficult emotions
The emotions can be either positive or negative. These various emotions we feel, depending on a situation or an event bring colour into our lives and our relationships. Life goes the same as there are various colours in the rainbow. Or like there are different tastes for all types of food. Our life is made up of all sorts of colours and flavours. We will really never know what the next minute or hour will bring. Therefore that is why we should keep a mindfulness way to deal with difficult emotions.
The question remains, “How do we deal with our emotions? What can we do to deal with difficulties in our lives?”
Well, there is no easy way in overcoming struggles. Situations that may be causing a great deal of pain, stress and uncertainty for us. However, we can always try to deal with our problems in the very best way we possibly can. Here are 5 ways to face difficult emotions through mindfulness:
1. Face your difficult emotions and accept them
One of the most reassuring elements of mindfulness for difficult emotions is the reminder that nothing is permanent. Acknowledge what you feel and feel your emotions. Find where the source of pain is coming from. Aside from the emotional and mental stress that you may feel, find the physical source of where the tension may lay. Make yourself aware of the uncomfortable feeling. Do not ignore it. We are not going to push our emotions away. Rather, we must listen to our body, understand our mind and acknowledge our feelings.
2. Label the emotion once you have identified it
When feeling angry or anxious, it is best to acknowledge the emotion but detaching yourself from it. Instead of saying, “I am so angry” say, “This is anger I feel”. Another would “I am so anxious” try to say “this is the anxiety I feel.” Acknowledge the feeling but do not be the feeling.
3. Be your own friend
What if we had a friend who was going through the same situation we were, what would we say or do to help them? At times, we have to try to export ourselves from our present state and try to look at the situation as a separate entity. This may be hard to do when we are deeply immersed in our situation, but we at least have to try. We then ask ourselves, “What would I tell someone if they were in the same situation?” It’s worth a try, right?
4. Realize that nothing is permanent
Nothing is permanent in this world, not happiness and not even the not so happy moments. There’s this saying, “Weather the storm.” Another is, “This too shall pass.” And in between, when nothing else seems to work, we can try to ask other’s their perspective. Online mental health support or telehealth psychology is another way to learn mindfulness.
5. Unmask the truth
One of the key steps of mindfulness for difficult emotions is to unmask the truth. Often there are underlying emotions to note. Sometimes, we may need help from professionals if the source is just too much and the root too deep.
At times, there is even no need to leave home. Now we are able to find the most suitable and compatible online telehealth service that is available out there. Online mental health support on mindfulness is increasingly available.
Seek help
In sum, during our lowest and our most vulnerable times, we must always remember that there is nothing wrong if we reach out to get professional mental health support. And if we get to the point where we think this may be the best solution for us, when friends and family can’t provide the help they want to give but can’t, we can always get advice and guidance from our doctors. Our family doctors can help us find the best psychology and psychiatry telehealth service for us. There is nothing wrong with getting professional advice, help and guidance. After all, if we do not help ourselves, then who will?