339. How to Feel Better (Or At Least Less Bad) (Feminist Mindset Principles Series Ep 5)
Apr 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Explore why we experience negative emotions and how to manage them by changing our thoughts. Learn about cultural views on negative emotions and the impact of resisting them. Discover strategies for promoting happiness through accepting and dealing with emotions.
Emotions are physical sensations distinct from thoughts, influencing how they manifest.
Resisting negative emotions intensifies their impact; accepting feelings without resistance can reduce emotional distress.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotions and Thoughts
Emotions are a set of physical sensations in the body, like fear or joy, distinct from thoughts like opinions or evaluations. Thoughts create feelings in cognitive psychology, influencing how emotions manifest. Despite the truth, thoughts are not vital in triggering emotions; the brain reacts based on perceived beliefs.
Resisting Negative Emotions
Negative emotions are common, but societal norms often stigmatize them as problematic or signs of personal failure. Seeking perpetual happiness aligns with cultural ideals and commercial interests. Different cultures historically embraced negative emotions as inherent to life, offering contrasting perspectives on emotional experiences.
Dealing with Emotional Resistance
Resisting negative emotions intensifies their impact, triggering stress responses and discomfort. Acknowledging and describing emotions as physical sensations can help the brain process and alleviate their perceived threat. Accepting feelings without resistance can lead to a reduction in emotional distress, facilitating a more constructive approach to managing emotions.
Ever find yourself caught in a whirlwind of negative emotions? One moment you're feeling hopelessly sad, and the next, you're steeped in embarrassment or grappling with relentless anxiety. We've all been there! So in today’s episode, I’m going to lift the lid on why this happens and how you can nudge the intensity of these emotions down a notch — making them much more manageable. Tune in this week to start your journey towards feeling better... or at least, less bad.