Today’s episode of The Psychology World Podcast is a cognitive psychology episode on How to Deal with Negative Emotions and Thoughts?
As the UK heads back into lockdown and the other negative events happening in the world, I wonder it would be useful to tell people some ways of how to deal with their negative emotions.
That’s the focus of this cognitive psychology episode.
Look for Positives:
I know this is difficult, especially when you consider the times; we are in with the UK going into lockdown amongst other things.
However, if you try, then I promise you there are some positives.
For example, as a result of lockdown, my mum is off work so I get to see her more. I know one of my mum’s friends are glad as it gives them time to clear out the garage.
Personally, the positive I’m taking away from lockdown is that the rate of infection, daily deaths, and number of cases will all fall. Meaning with we are a step closer to ‘defeating the virus’
Overall, trying to think about the positives should make you feel better.
What Your Feeling is Temporary:
I cannot stress this point enough because if you’re feel sad or anger because of lockdown or certain political events in the world. Then I encourage you to think about that these events are temporary.
Lockdown will end.
Political upheaval will end.
Brexit uncertainty will end.
Everything that is causing you to felt sad, angry, etc will end.
So, please bear that in mind.
Don’t judge yourself for feeling how you do:
I know from personal experience that you can get very annoyed at yourself for feeling a certain way. For instance, why am I mad about lockdown?
I’m so stupid for feeling this way.
And I can assure you it is ‘normal’ to get annoyed at yourself, but it’s not healthy and it will only make your problems worse.
So, you might want to consider (I have found this helpful in the past) sitting down on my bed or something and doing a few simple things:
· Ask yourself, why am I feeling this way?
· Think about it
· When you have a few ideas,
· Acknowledge them
· Decide how you’re going to move forward
I occasionally do this thinking exercise (if you can call it that) when I’m angry, sad, or some other range of emotion. Typically, it works for me, so hopefully it will work for you too.
Other ideas:
There’s a wide range of ideas about how to deal with negative thoughts.
Here are some other ideas that I’ve already mentioned on The psychology World Podcast before:
· Exercise
· Use self-compassion
· Have a social support network of friends and family
· Write about your feelings
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I found this method extremely helpful in the past.
Regarding a traumatic experience I had.
Overall, I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s cognitive psychology episode of The Psychology World Podcast.
If you want to learn more, then please check out the links below:
Have a great day, everyone!
I truly hope that you’re enjoyed this blog post and if you feel like supporting the blog going forward and get lots of rewards, then please head to my Patreon page.
However, if want to show onetime support and appreciation, the place to do that is PayPal. If you do that, please include your email address in the notes section, so I can say thank you.
Which I am going to say right now. Thank you!
Click www.paypal.me/connorwhiteley1 to go to PayPal.
Reference:
A. Washton & D. Boundy. Willpower's Not Enough for Recovering Addictions. New York: Harper, 1989