Three Ways We Avoid Feelings . . .and What We Can Do About It

Three Ways We Avoid Feelings . . .and What We Can Do About It
Takeaway Summaries:

• We often avoid feelings by staying busy, using technology, or overthinking.
• Facing our emotions can lead to more happiness and peace.
• Simple steps can help us connect with our feelings.

In today's busy world, it's easy to ignore our feelings. But avoiding them can stop us from being truly happy.

​Here are three ways we often dodge our emotions and how we can face them in a healthy way.
1. Keeping Ourselves Busy
Many people pack their days with activities to avoid thinking about their feelings. While this might work for a while, it can lead to stress and feeling disconnected from ourselves.
What We Can Do:

• Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day being still and noticing your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
• Plan Relaxation Time: Make sure to include breaks in your week where you can relax and think about how you feel.

2. Using Technology as an Escape
With so many gadgets and apps, it's easy to use technology to avoid dealing with emotions. Whether it's scrolling through social media or watching videos, these distractions can keep us from facing our true feelings.
What We Can Do:

• Take a Break from Screens: Turn off your devices regularly to spend time with your thoughts and emotions. Start by taking short breaks and gradually increase them.
• Do Offline Activities: Find hobbies that don't involve screens, like drawing or going for a walk, to help you connect with yourself.

3. Overthinking Our Emotions
Some people try to deal with their feelings by thinking about them too much instead of actually feeling them. This can create a wall between what we think and what we feel.
What We Can Do:

• Write About Your Feelings: Keep a journal where you write down your thoughts and emotions freely. This helps in recognizing your feelings instead of just thinking about them.
• Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a friend or counselor who can listen without judging or analyzing.

Action Steps:

1. Set a Daily Quiet Time: Spend at least 5 minutes each day in silence, focusing on your breathing and how you feel.
2. Limit Screen Time: Choose one day a week to unplug from all screens for at least an hour.
3. Start a Feelings Journal: Write down your emotions once a day to better understand what you're feeling.

By noticing how we avoid our emotions and taking steps to face them, we can find more joy and peace in our lives. Embracing our feelings helps us move from unhappiness to true happiness.