Sometimes the day is not set in the morning and it seems that the whole world is up in arms against us. What do therapists do when things go wrong? We reveal the secrets of those who know a lot about peace of mind.
Psychologists and psychotherapists have a whole arsenal of techniques to deal with stress. But despite this, they, like all of us, also have bad days.
“We are all human and, of course, we all have to go through difficult periods. The only difference is that professional experience and knowledge help to better cope with stress, ”says Anabel Basulto, a family therapist from California.
Basulto and other psychologists and psychotherapists have shared how they deal with emotional stress and help themselves stay calm.
1. “I take a shower to “reboot”
“On bad days, you don’t want anything at all. But if I lie on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, it will only get worse. To “reboot”, I go to the shower. It brings me back to life, gives me energy for everyday activities,” explains psychologist Marisa Franko.
2. “Sharing with loved ones”
“When I feel bad, I share unhappy thoughts with a friend or loved one. After the conversation, it immediately becomes easier, ”says psychotherapist Rebecca Leslie.
3. “I don’t check social networks”
“The last thing I need on a tough day is a flood of negative emotions. Therefore, I don’t read or watch the news or go on social networks, ”explains psychotherapist Kurt Smith.
4. “Trying to take better care of myself”
“Without guilt, I take care of myself. I can go to the gym, watch a movie, go out with a friend, or just do nothing. It is important for all of us to “recharge” from time to time, otherwise there will not be enough energy, ”says Anabel Basulto.
5. “I go outside”
“Even a short walk can cheer me up. Movement and sunlight work wonders. A change of scenery in itself helps to get out of the stream of negative thoughts, ”explains Rebecca Leslie.
6. “I don’t allow myself to make an elephant out of a fly”
“There are days when any, even minor, problem seems insurmountable. Then I try not to make an elephant out of a fly. Morning didn’t work? This does not mean that the whole day will be bad. Was it a bad day? This does not mean that the whole life has gone downhill. It’s better not just to repeat these statements, but to feel them, to find a way to please yourself,” says Marisa Franco.
7. “Walking the dog”
“Pets have a beneficial effect on us, and the walk itself gives strength. As a result, I not only do a useful thing, but also take a short break from work, switch to “for myself” mode, ”says Kurt Smith.
8. “Reviewing old messages that make me smile”
“I have a whole archive of screenshots on my phone that cheer me up. When I receive letters and messages that make me happy or proud, I save them and look at them if I’m sad,” says Rebecca Leslie.
9. “I meditate and pray”
“Every morning, and sometimes even in the evening, I meditate and pray. We, psychotherapists, are constantly faced with human grief and mental pain, and after a working day there is a “residue”. Therefore, it is very important to find a suitable way of emotional discharge for yourself, ”says Kurt Smith.
Ways to cheer up, which psychologists and psychotherapists resort to, are simple and effective. You can also use the tips, spend two hours outside with a dog, take a walk with a friend, soak in the bath. Choose something that will support you in difficult times and allow you to return joy and confidence.