When things get tough it can be easy to turn to unhealthy coping strategies. In a moment of vulnerability or weakness, society has shown that sometimes we don’t even try to cope; instead, we push it down and ignore it altogether. This is a pattern we encourage you to break and try.
Let’s name a couple of arguably the most stressful things a person can go through:
- The loss of a loved one
- A breakup
- Losing a job
- Family problems
- Financial stress
We could go on and on, but these are some of the most common problems humans go through. All have the capability of creating major levels of stress and sadness. Sometimes those feelings become so overwhelming that a person will turn to something; whether that be substances or questionable choices (which we will expand upon).
So allow us to list some healthy ways to cope with tragedy, frustration, or anger.
#1 Feel all of the emotions
Pushing your emotions down is one of the worst things you can do for yourself. You may think you have solved the problem, but eventually, it will pile up and explode.
In fact, a study done in 2021 during the first lockdowns showed that if we ignore our emotions we can actually experience “short-term mental and physical reactions as well.” Ultimately, what you should know is that allowing emotions to pile up can actually lead to feeling physical stress in the body.
Bottling up your emotions and stress can also lead to chronic illnesses. This happens when there is a disruption of a stress hormone, cortisol. When this happens, your immune functions aren’t as strong which can lead to the development of a chronic illness.
So, when we say feel all your emotions we mean it. Whether you need to cry, get angry, or scream, do that so you can feel that temporary relief.
Trust us when we say that while it may suck at the moment, allowing yourself to grieve or feel the frustrations, you will feel so much better.
Crying for a prolonged period of time actually stimulates the release of oxytocin and endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals that make you feel good after exercising or eating a good meal. First, you will feel those endorphins being released, then oxytocin which will help you to be calm.
If you feel yourself holding back, don’t.
#2 Talk about it with someone you trust
Speaking your feelings aloud can prove to do wonders for dealing with emotions. “Venting” is something we all do from time to time and it always feels better once it is done.
When we talk about what is upsetting us, we can actually reduce those stress levels. If you can find someone you trust and ask them to hear you out you will most likely feel much better after. The key is for the other person to listen. They can absolutely offer advice, but ask them to listen to what you have to say first without interrupting.
Talking with someone you trust will also eliminate feelings of embarrassment or shame. Speaking with a professional can be nerve-wracking sometimes, so this can be a first step effort to getting those feelings off of your chest.
Also, once doing this you will most likely feel more clear-headed. Once sorting out your thoughts both you and the person listening may be able to come to an understanding.
If you are experiencing relationship or familial problems, this is also the time to consider talking it out. By no means is this a foolproof way of fixing things because in this scenario, another person also has negative feelings. What this does do though is explain your side of things while also allowing them to do the same. Opening the line of communication can prove to do a lot for the relationship.
#3 Remember what is in your control
This can be one of the hardest things to grapple with. If you are dealing with feelings of anguish, anger, or stress you need to be reminded that you can only control what you can control.
Feelings of “I should have done this,” can really play negatively in the mind, so accepting what was said or done is the first thing you should do. If apologies are in order then that should be your next course of action. How the person responds though, is out of your control.
Going above and beyond to try to change things tends to become more stressful than you may think. By all means, do what you think you must do but if you realize the outcome is out of your control so whatever happens was meant to happen.
#4 DO NOT self-medicate
One of the biggest problems that lead to the opposite of processing emotions in a healthy way. Some will turn to substances like:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Drugs
These substances will prove to do NOTHING for you in a moment of stress. All they can do is block the feelings from erupting which is the exact opposite of what we are advising you to do.
Self-medicating can affect sleep, energy levels, and even lower the immune system. If you are struggling to get through something that is hurting, angering, or stressing you out this is not the best route to take.
Your emotional well-being shouldn’t be toyed with. That is what will suffer at the hands of self-medicating. If you are struggling to fall asleep, or calm yourself due to what you’ve been through then you must come up with another way.
Whether that be reorganizing your sleep schedule or trying out different calming methods like meditation. It is worth a try.
Relaxium has two different supplements that can add a little extra assistance. Relaxium Sleep is a drug-free supplement that helps you to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed and alert. Relaxium Calm is also a drug-free, non-habit-forming supplement that is meant to promote relaxation, elevate mood, and supply vital nutrients to the body.
You’ve got to feel things
Allowing yourself to grieve and feel the pain you are going through will help you. It can be so difficult to do because revisiting painful memories is hard. That is the point though, if it wasn’t hard then you must not care all that much. Allow yourself a moment of relief by choosing to feel. It will only help you in the long run.
To restful and healthy days ahead.
The Relaxium Team
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-crying#selfsoothing