Positive emotions are great, however there is a time and place when negative emotions will arise and that is okay too.
Negative emotions are important and here is why...
FUNCTIONAL THEORIES OF EMOTION
There are many theories of emotion out there that propose that all emotion has a purpose in different situations...
E.g. I see a lion in the wild and feel excitement to pet it.
This would be dangerous. Fear would be a much more appropriate response in this situation and it would serve a meaningful purpose... keeping us safe!!!
NEGATIVE EMOTIONS BEING USEFUL
Studies have shown that when in a situation where negotiations are needed, the negotiators who expressed negative emotions such as anger were more likely to be successful in the negotiations.
Similarly, in scenarios involving confrontation, people using positive emotions were less successful in those tasks than people using negative emotions.
SUPPRESSING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
Unfortunately, when negative emotions do arise in us there is an urge to suppress such feelings.
Suppressing such emotions is not a healthy coping mechanism. We are feeling this emotion for a reason.
Suppressing negative emotions can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. it can also have physical effects including muscle tension, pain, nausea and digestive problems.
MANAGING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
T.E.A.R.S.
T-Teach & Learn; Learning about your body and mind so that when you feel something, you can interpret the message and deal with it in a productive way.
E-Express and enable sensory and embodied experiences; put simply be open and curious about what happens around and within you.
A-Accept & Befriend; Increasing self-compassion and tolerance for frustration.
R- Re-appraise &Re-frame; Question your thought processes through CBT techniques.
S- Social support; Practicing self-compassion and compassion for others and investing in relationships.
H.O.P.E.
H- Hedonic well-being & happiness; Adding positive experiences to your life, reminiscing on happy memories, savouring successes and practicing gratitude to increase the time you authentically feel positive.
O-Observe & attend to; Notice your surroundings you non-judgmentally go about attending to situations that arise.
P-Physiology & Behavioural changes; Focus on self-care, relaxation and mindfulness.
E- Eudaemonia; Being happy, healthy and flourishing. Actively work towards your goals, your interests and anything that makes you feel good in a healthy way.
