Managing Emotional Pain

Have you ever seen a parent quickly turn a baby's attention to a toy or treat when they start to cry? Guess what? You can do the same thing for yourself when you don't want to dwell on negative feelings! One way of learning to tolerate distress, pain, or overwhelming emotions, is to find ways to distract yourself. 

Here are some examples:

• Distract yourself from self-destructive behaviors 15 Minute Rule
• Distract yourself with simple activities 99 Coping Skills
• Distract yourself with tasks and chores Daily Planning
• Distract yourself by being mindful 5 Senses
• Distract your thoughts Stop Negative Thoughts
• Distract yourself by focusing on someone else Helping Others Helps You
• Distract yourself by taking a break Just Park It

Distractions don't make the problem or pain go away, but they can help you get through life's difficult moments. Over time, as the pain lessens you will find yourself focusing forward rather than the past.

You can't ignore your feelings, but you can learn ways to be patient with them. Sometimes you have to sit in a less than happy state before the feelings subside. Don't give up! Learning how to manage emotional stress is a great life skill that will make you emotionally stronger in the future.