Bravely

“People who tend to suppress their negative emotions regularly might start to see their world in a more negative light.” 

                                                         - Susan Cain, American Writer, and Lecturer

Negative emotions are unpleasant feelings like sadness, anger, or fear that can turn harmful when too intense or persistent. These emotions when unregulated can result in depression, causing adverse effects on your daily activities. 

According to WHO, over 264 million people worldwide, of various age groups, suffer from depression.

What an alarming number, isn’t it? This is the reason why it is essential to learn how to release negative emotions and work on gaining inner peace.

In this article, we will explore how you can make this possible and live a content life!

Possible Causes of Negative Emotions

There can be multiple reasons for negative emotions to build up. It's essential to identify the cause and work towards resolving it to stay at peace. We have listed some common causes that most people point to:

Overthinking about things that are not under your control

You might find yourself stressing over situations beyond your control. It's crucial in such moments to remind yourself that the best course of action is to let go. Moreover, how we choose to react to these situations can either empower us or hold us back.

Comparing yourself to others

In the digital era, where people are obsessed with showing off their lavish and all-happy lives, it is quite natural to have a feeling of self-doubt. But you need to remember that comparing your life with others will only leave you with a bitter feeling.

Repeating the negative thing said by others in your head

Do you find your mind clogged with the negative conversations you had with a person? When you keep thinking about their words, it can make you feel sad and hurt. In such situations, you need to remember that their words do not define you in any way.

4 Ways To Release Negative Emotions & Cultivate Inner Peace

You'll become more resilient, happy, and fulfilled in life as you learn to let go of unpleasant emotions and develop inner peace. Let’s explore these methods together.

Acknowledge the Negative Emotions with a Coffee Break

When hit with negative emotions, the best thing you can do is grab a cup of warm coffee. And what's better to do is serve it in Be Big and Brave's Inspirational Coffee Mug!

While coffee itself has stress-reducing properties, confronting negative emotions promotes validation, awareness, prevention of escalation, healing, and resilience. Enjoying coffee in inspirational coffee mugs can be a comforting and grounding ritual that enhances the experience of confronting and processing emotions, altogether.

Engage in Physical Activities

Taking part in a variety of exercises can help release unpleasant emotions for trauma recovery. It includes any type of physical activity that gets the body moving, such as jogging, walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or yoga. Your body releases endorphins during these physical activities, which have the dual benefits of improving mood and acting as natural painkillers. 

Spend Quality Time with Friends & Family

Prioritise spending time with loved ones when you're feeling down; it's a great method to let go of negative emotions. Being around people you love gives you the chance to be truly yourself, to share your ideas and emotions, and to get empathy and compassion in return. This can offer a sense of validation and belonging while also easing emotions of tension, anxiety, and loneliness.

Develop a Positive Mindset

Adopting a perspective that emphasizes optimism, thankfulness, resilience, healing from trauma, and self-compassion is necessary to cultivate a positive mindset.

You can use a variety of methods and routines to cultivate a happy outlook on life like:

• Gratitude Practice
• Positive Affirmations
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Reframing Negative Thoughts
• Practice Self-Compassion

Believe It, You Are Bigger Than Your Problems

Achieving inner peace and letting go of unpleasant emotions can significantly improve your quality of life. It can uplift your mood, lessen the symptoms of depression, and improve your general mental and emotional health. 

Remember, your mental health is your responsibility. When confronted with negative emotions, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Stay connected with Be Big and Brave to receive more such tips to enrich your life.

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Do you find yourself getting intrusive flashbacks or suffering extreme emotions of fear, anxiety, or panic? Chances are you are suffering from emotional trauma!

To recover from this situation completely, it is essential to understand what the phrase - ‘emotional trauma’ means. Experiences that cause you to feel helpless or frightened might lead to emotional trauma. The emotional reaction to an upsetting situation or incident leads to such a stage. Moreover, the duration of the emotional response determines whether the trauma is acute or chronic.

Now, let’s find out what can cause emotional trauma and strategies for healing from trauma!

Common Causes of Emotional Trauma

Violent Scenes

For many people, being a victim of violence or watching it is traumatic. Random violent scenes like participating as a member of the armed forces, experiencing a terrorist attack, or being sexually assaulted are examples of violent traumatic occurrences that lead to negative emotions. Even though there is no danger anymore, someone may experience and feel afraid even afterward.

Abuse Or Abandonment

Abuse can occur in all kinds of relationships like between romantic partners, or a parent and child. They can occur through verbal, physical, or emotional manipulation. When someone is mistreated, they feel defenseless, vulnerable, and uncertain of how to react. Many folks ponder whether they were the cause of the mistreatment or abuse. 

Emotional trauma can also be brought about by abandonment, such as when a child is abandoned by a close relative. Thus, individuals who have experienced abandonment need to learn about trauma therapy techniques to recover from their past happenings. 

Catastrophes & Mishaps

Natural disasters occur suddenly, without warning, and with significant property and human devastation. Accidents, like automobile wrecks or other unplanned physical mishaps, have a feeling similar to experiencing or watching a natural disaster even though they are not produced by nature. Hence, a person may suffer trauma from seeing a disaster or accident, even if they are not directly hurt.

Strategies To Recover From Emotional Trauma

Let’s dig into the different emotional trauma recovery strategies for a healthy and happy future ahead!

Give Yourself A Closure

The first phase involves acknowledging and embracing the whole spectrum of feelings including the negative emotions, developing self-awareness by thinking back on the traumatic experiences, and practicing self-compassion all along the way. Setting up appropriate boundaries prevents more damage, and forgiveness releases resentment and fosters inner peace. 

Recognize You Weren’t At Fault

For healing from emotional trauma, you must acknowledge that you were not at fault. Recognize that you have nothing to do with what has happened to you. This insight aids in reducing feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. Moreover, provide yourself with self-compassion and kindness to regain your self-worth.

Make Self-Care Your Priority

Don't hesitate to set aside time for your mental, physical, and spiritual nourishment. Activities like exercise, meditation, or intriguing hobbies can be a great help in trauma resilience. Make recreational activities and rest a priority to refuel. Always remember that taking care of oneself is not selfish; rather, it is necessary for healing.

Learn From Other’s Experiences

Gaining insights from other's experiences helps cope with trauma as it provides perspective, hope, and affirmation. Hearing similar stories validates feelings and reactions, reassuring you that you're not alone. Success stories like that of Geri Maroney provide optimism by showing that healing is achievable.

For instance, the useful tactics shared in her book Beautiful Lady are available to your rescue. This transformational book showcases concrete ways that you can use in your recovery process and boost self-confidence.

Conclusion: Time To Be Big And Brave

While the journey to healing and trauma recovery isn't easy, it's also not impossible. 

Remember, trauma can bend you, but not break you. With each step forward, reclaim your power and rewrite your story. You are not defined by what hurts you, but by how you rise above it. Let this pain be the reason for a strong and resilient you. 

Make use of the above strategies to heal yourself and come back powerful. Stay connected with Be Big and Brave for more updates on how to grow and heal.

Let's walk through this journey together!

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My Journey: A Triumph over Breast Cancer

In the vibrant tapestry of 2015, my bustling life as a global business executive took an unforeseen turn when I received the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer. Known for my meticulous planning and commitment to health, I diligently attended my annual mammograms, a routine I never allowed to slip through the cracks. However, this particular screening yielded results that diverged from my expectations, casting a sudden shadow over my otherwise well-orchestrated life.

Faced with the stark reality of breast cancer, I confronted the situation with characteristic decisiveness. After having a lengthy discussion with my oncologist, I opted for a double mastectomy, a courageous decision aimed at not only addressing the immediate concern but also taking a proactive stance toward my overall well-being. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my transformative journey, one that would test my resilience, summon my inner strength, and ultimately lead to triumph over adversity.

The Unforeseen Challenge

The day of surgery brought unforeseen challenges. I reached the hospital as per the schedule and, after getting ready for the operation, I sat on my bed waiting for my turn. The prospect of a 14-hour operation under anesthesia unnerved me. Just when anxiety gripped me, a power outage in my hospital room momentarily heightened my fears.

However, a powerful flashback to the advice I'd given my daughters—to be big and brave—filled me with newfound courage. The power was restored within 3 minutes only, symbolizing hope and resilience. With the mantra of being big and brave, I faced the surgery head-on and emerged successfully.

Battling Emotional Trauma: The Hidden Battle

Post-surgery, I confronted a different battle—emotional trauma in the form of PTSD. Determined to overcome both physical and emotional challenges, I delved into research and discovered that 80% of women suffer from varied degrees of PTSD during cancer recovery. Recognizing the importance of emotional healing alongside physical recovery, I turned to journaling.

Triumph Through Emotional Healing

My emotional healing journey involved acknowledging and expressing my emotions. Journaling became my therapeutic outlet, helping me navigate the stages of grief—shock, denial, anger, depression, testing, and acceptance. By understanding my emotions and processing them through writing along with other healing-helping techniques, I triumphed over cancer and emerged as a stronger, more courageous individual.

A Phoenix Rising: My Inspiring Transformation

My healing process not only cured me physically but also freed me from the darkness that once clouded my mind. Now, as a fully recovered cancer survivor, I passionately share my story to inspire others facing similar battles. My impactful dissemination of information includes a book, "Beautiful Lady," which offers insights and guidance for a better life post-cancer.

In the symphony of my journey, the melody of courage, resilience, and triumph echoes loud and clear. It serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating through the challenges of cancer. I share my transformative experience to encourage everyone so that they can make themselves big and brave while fostering optimism in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: Be Big and Brave, Triumph Over Cancer

My story is of courage, resilience, and emotional healing in the journey of cancer survival. As we reflect on my inspiring journey, let it be a source of encouragement for those battling cancer. Embrace the mantra of being big and brave, for within it lies the strength to triumph over adversity.

Join my community of warriors at Big and Brave, where stories like mine inspire and uplift. Visit our website to discover more empowering narratives and resources to navigate your journey with courage and optimism. 

                                                   Be Big and Brave

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