If you’re feeling like 2020 has been using you as a punching bag, you’re not only. It would be difficult enough to deal with one of the crises that this year has so graciously provided, but the hits just keep on coming. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed by everything, here are some ways you can cope.
- Admit That You Aren’t Doing Okay. Not to make this sound like an episode of “Intervention” but the first step is admitting you have a problem. It can be hard to admit that you feel sad or scared but you’ll be amazed at how relieved you’ll feel once you do. I’m often surprised by how relieved I feel the moment I simply let myself acknowledge that reality. The next step is to let your loved ones know you’re struggling too because suffering in silence isn’t “brave.” It’s exhausting and dangerous.
- Don’t fight your bad feelings. When you start feeling bad, don’t ignore it. Embrace it. Therapist Ryan Howes says “people need to have permission to feel whatever they're feeling in this moment. If you feel like you need to cry, then take some time and cry. Let it out.” According to Howes, we’d all benefit from letting ourselves be 10% more emotional than a normal year.
- Try to focus on the present. That “I can’t even” feeling is known as catastrophizing in the therapy world. When you’re stuck in the mindset that everything’s terrible, and nothing will get better, Howes says to concentrate on the here and now. That could mean distracting yourself with video games, thinking of one positive thing in your life and concentrating on it, or pausing to check in with your senses. Thinking about what you hear and smell around you will ground you and can help get you out of panic mode.
Find more tips on how to get through the rest of 2020HERE.
Source:Vice