Healthy rituals to process difficult emotions

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Many of my 1:1 clients are telling me that they have been experiencing increased emotions recently. If this is also true for you, you're not alone.

Often when feelings intensify it's hard to know what to do to feel better. This leads to unconsciously pushing feelings down, numbing out or disassociating, which in turn can lead to emotions getting even more intense - it's a tricky cycle!

When emotions have become heightened it can help to remember that your feelings aren't permanent, they will always come and go. It's also good to have some ways to process your feelings. If you can process your feelings they will move through your body naturally as intended, without you having to suppress or disconnect.

Not sure how to process emotions? Here are some healthy rituals to support you if you are feeling:

o Angry – Move your body

Bash a pillow, stand up and shake your body, dance

o Irritated – Wait before responding

Go outside, look at the sky, feel your feet on the ground

o Anxious – Breathe more deeply

Put your hand on your belly and breathe into it, give yourself a hug, inhale lavender oil

o Uninspired – Change what you are doing

Take a shower, listen to uplifting music, stretch your body

o Doubt – Write in your journal

Write down 3 things that are good about you, other people and life

o Scared – Talk to someone

Get support, share your worries, take small steps

o Guilt – Let go

Reflect on all that you do, notice if you are taking things personally, let go of expectations

o Jealous – Boost your esteem

Plan something you enjoy, write a love note to yourself, find the beauty in your life

o Tired – Go to sleep

Have a bath, drink an herbal tea, rub lavender oil into the soles of your feet

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If you or someone you know is vulnerable and needs help, please seek immediate assistance from your GP or one of the charities below:

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MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk

SAMARITANS: https://www.samaritans.org

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