Friend,
We all deal with emotions on a daily basis. Whether it’s happy or sad, good or bad, those emotions will come, and there’s no way around it. So how do we push through when we are in our feelings? Here are some tips that typically help me, and will possibly help get you through as well.
1. TAKE IT TO GOD
My favorite scripture of all time is Philippians 4:6-7. The NLT version says,
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Let’s face it, sometimes we get worried about things in life, that just don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. But this scripture aids us in getting through our situations, because we can rest assured that God’s already got it! Whatever we are dealing with is not too big for God to handle. It may feel like it’s too big for US to handle….. But God went before us and our situations…. He already knows what’s going to happen before it happens, which is another reason why we have the Bible foretelling us of future events, and prophets of God who confirm others. He wants us to put our complete trust in Him, and allow Him to work out what the devil intended for bad. Although it may seem tough for you to do in the midst of your storm, try it. Quieten yourself, pray a simple prayer, and then let it go. When you start to feel yourself slipping back into those emotions again, repeat these steps as needed. I know this may be tougher than it sounds to just let it go, so here are more tips that may help.
2. JOURNAL
You don’t have to be a writer to journal. It’s just simply writing down your thoughts. It’s similar to you telling your best friend what you’re going through. The only difference is, it’s just you talking to you. Sometimes if I can’t seem to get my prayers out, I write letters or prayers to God. Journaling is not only therapeutic, it’s also one of the best ways you can release your thoughts, and clear your mind. Sometimes this is a big factor in allowing me to get some good sleep at night. Journaling truly helps to clear your mind. Let’s face it, it’s best not to tell the world what you’re dealing with personally. Some things should be saved for your journal and God. This also will help you to be able to refer back to a past time in your life on what you overcame. There’s nothing better than to realize the resilience that was built since the time you wrote a previous journal entry. Take it to God, then take it to paper.
3. REDIRECT YOUR ATTENTION
I ran across a post that said find three hobbies you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative. Sometimes, the best way to get out of your feelings, is to do something you love. I am an outdoorsy person, and I absolutely love getting out in nature. Thankfully, I have an outdoorsy friend. It is so simple for us to take a hike with each other when either of us need to clear our heads. Of course we get to talk about what it is that’s bothering us, but then we get to redirect our sights on what’s right in front of us. We always end up talking about the trips we want to take, or the adventurous things we want to do. When you do something you love doing, you typically end up in a more positive mindset than when you started.
4. TALK IT OUT
It is a good idea to have someone that you can trust and confide in, that will give you helpful advice, and pray over you. It is VERY important that they are someone who has your best interest at heart, and will give you wise counsel. Misery needs company, so be mindful of the people you “talk out” with. If they are in a negative place, they most likely won’t be able to guide you into a positive place. Use caution.
5. BREATHE
Friend, in order to get out of your feelings, it’s important to be present. You must realize that in this moment, you must focus on calming down. Focus on your breathing, and take a few deep breaths. Try to focus on the moment, and not your circumstances. Ground yourself. Notice the sounds around you, what you feel, and what you see. Take a step outside if the weather allows and feel the sensations of the air, even if it’s just for a moment. This simple step done repetitively should help a bit to allow you to realize that you are alive and well, which should cause you to feel a little better.
6. HAVE SOME “ME TIME“
The reality is, we have to take care of ourselves mentally and physically. If we aren’t mindful of our current state of being, we can be headed for destruction. We must learn to be kind to ourselves. It doesn’t take much. I try to schedule “me time” at least once a week. Sometimes, that can be difficult with children, so I typically schedule this time on Sundays after my son’s bedtime. “Me time” could be as simple as your shower or bath time. You are going to do it anyways, so why not be intentional about being present and embracing that moment to yourself, because YOU matter. Figure out what you, and go for it. I like to run myself a bubble bath, light some candles, and turn on a mellow playlist. This allows me to unwind mentally before the coming week. So go out and buy yourself some flowers on an off day or take a walk in the park. Spend some time with… YOU.
7. SWEAT IT OUT
I’ll spare you the cold hard facts, but just know that working out is good for your physical and mental well-being. It also helps you sort and redirect your thoughts. Trust me, you will feel accomplished and much better once you’re done.
I hope these tips help you. Connect with me in the comments if you have any other tips you’d like to add.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
