Hold On Pain Ends

I ran past a Lifeline poster the other day and I was struck by how it was a really good message to remember when you are dealing with difficult emotions. 

Ultimately all feeling states pass but it doesn’t feel like that when you are in the middle of it. 

 So lets refresh on what we can do to cope with strong emotions. Anything you do to take the focus off the emotion tends to help in the short term. Think distraction – what tasks could I occupy myself with such as domestic chores, watching a movie, going for a walk, any interest can be harnessed to buy some time for the intensity to pass. 

 Similarly, engaging in self soothing activities geared towards your sensory preferences can also relieve stress. Think about pleasant smells, calming visuals, the feel of certain textures, a hot shower, flushing your face with cold water, the sweetness of quality chocolate on your taste buds. When you do this, you are letting yourself be present with the difficult feeling while at the same showing selfcare.

 Parenting takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and to places in yourself that can feel really uncomfortable. Being armed with your own survival pack of strategies and this positive mantra will help you weather the most challenging moments with optimism.

 So the next time you are feeling one of those gut wrenching emotions like fear, anger, grief or despair, try to do something to distract yourself. Not only will the intensity reduce, you will tap back into your wise self that knows you will get through this moment.