21/06/2024
We often avoid or numb our feelings because emotions can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. Instead of dealing with them, we might distract ourselves with activities like eating comfort food, binge-watching shows, or scrolling through social media. This avoidance gives us a temporary escape but doesn't address the root of the feelings. Numbing, on the other hand, is an attempt to shut down these emotions completely, like mindlessly eating a whole bag of chips to drown out the noise of a bad day. These strategies offer quick relief but can lead to bigger issues like anxiety or health problems down the line.
Feeling your feelings is crucial because emotions are signals that something needs attention. Ignoring them can prevent healing and growth. To start, pause and reflect on what you're truly feeling, name the emotion, allow yourself to feel it without judgment, and find healthy ways to express it. Embracing your emotions is a sign of strength and self-awareness, leading to better emotional well-being in the long run. So next time you're tempted to distract or numb yourself, try to pause and process instead