But a therapist isn’t going to just hand over some life-changing advice and call it a day.
The best progress happens when you apply what youve learned outside that setting, in your real life.
But, we get it, therapy isn’t always accessible to everyone.
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Stresshappens, and it always sucks on some levelwhether you’re overworked or overbooked or both.
In many cases, it’s all about how you view it.
Sometimes you just need to step away from what you’re doing or dealing with and get some air.
Plus, it may literally force you to take a breather when you need one.
It can help get you out of your head and into the world.
Negative thoughts are just a part of life, but they dont have to consume you.
Instead of trying to ignore those thoughts altogether, try countering them with positive statements, suggests Dr. Mayer.
you’re able to get back out there tomorrow.
The next time youre struggling, check out your list and reach out to someone on it.
Then, work your way down if someone you love isnt free to talk.
This can help ease your feelings of angst and frustration, Dr. Clark says.
Gratitude is something I work with people to cultivate especially when life feels overwhelming and negative, she adds.
Even being thankful for a hot shower can help you reset.
Just see to it whatever it is, it’s accessible when you really need it.
Everyone has an inner voice, i.e.
the way you talk to yourself in your head or out loud.
But sometimes that voice can be crueleven though it’s ultimately dictated by you.
Most people have a loud inner critic which makes their life more stressful, Klow says.
Learning to have a reassuring and soothing inner voice can make a big difference in improving your mental health.
Then attempt to adjust your inner voice to talk like that.
Chances are you wouldn’t tell your friend she’s doing everything wrong and everyone hates her.
Ruminating over something thats making you anxious isnt going to achieve anything.
But you might help push your thought process forward by forcing yourself to think ahead, Dr. Clark says.
This helps elucidate thoughts that are reasonable, probable, or sometimes even rational, she says.
but then follow those thoughtswhat would happen next?
Maybe you would look for a new job, find a cheaper apartment, take out a loan.
Eventually your thoughts should come around to reasonable solutions to your biggest worries.
You might even realize that these scenarioswhile certainly anxiety-inducingare highly unlikely to come to pass.
Your alcohol intake doesnt just impact your physical healthit affects your mind, too.
Keeping a log of your drinking and your emotions before and after might also be helpful.
Remember, don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
