What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings? – A good question from the daily writing prompt.
Wow, that question caused me to pause for a few minutes. I guess I’ll try to change my perspective and focus. Then try to remember not to sweat the small shit. I try to remind myself to be happy with myself. If I can change the thing that caused the negative feelings, I might set about that task.
Depending on the severity of the feelings I might choose different activities. For instance, if the negative feelings have me in a rage I avoid getting in the car and burning the tires off.
If the negative feelings leave me mildly disappointed, a nice cruise on the back roads with the top down brings me back to where those negative feelings aren’t going to ruin the next hour or the rest of the day.
I used to have a hard time dealing with negative feelings at work during certain periods. Usually, a clash with management styles and directions. I guess with great heights you must experience some lows to appreciate the good times.
I guess my basic strategy list would be
- I will go for a walk.
- I’ll watch something funny and try to laugh.
- I’ll talk to myself.
- I’ll read and try to learn something.
- I’ll start to write.
- I’ll go for a drive.
- I’ll listen to music.
- I try to figure out what I can change that caused the negative feelings.
I used to share with some looking for perspective, but I’ve pulled back on that for a number of various reasons.
