Being ruled by your emotions
I’ve always been someone who is ruled by their emotions – and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m not very good at zooming out and looking at the bigger picture. If something bad happens on a Friday – it feels like the whole week was rubbish. If I suddenly feel a dark cloud of gloom appear over my head – then I suddenly can’t remember that yesterday was a fantastic day. I hate that I can have six amazing days, but it’s the seventh that sticks in my mind. Or I’ll have several people say nice things to me and one negative and focus in on the negative. Why is it that it only takes a small amount of negativity to cancel out a huge amount of positivity?My name is Fran and I catastrophise
I am very aware that I do catastrophise and as a result I try to analyse these types of thoughts. I try and ask myself is it really that bad? Am I overreacting? Even if you are self-aware though, it can’t always stop you feeling those feelings.Reality check
I kind of hate that phrase – but sometimes you need to stop and check in with yourself. Question why you are catrophising, face your fears – give your mind the space to explore those worries. This is what I’m trying to do with my silly mind at the moment.Give yourself a little nudge in the right direction
Small things can make a world of difference to me and I sometimes need reminding of that. One of the things I find works for me is to write down each of my worries and address them head on. Sometimes seeing your worries written down can help you realise just how silly you are being. If they are genuine worries then it allows you to start thinking about how you can combat the worry.Get yourself a better frame of mind
Something that definitely makes a difference for me is getting in a positive state of mind. Catastrophising creeps in very easily when I’m feeling a bit off so getting some positive vibes flowing is a sure fire way to put those worries out of my head.So blogging friends – are you like me and make a mountain out of a mole hill? What do you do to combat it?
This couldn't have come on a more apt day for me - I have been in a big grump all day focusing on all the negatives. I find it really hard to put my woes into words - I can never quite pinpoint what my problem really is, it's like my head is just a big pot of mashed potato! We're silly souls aren't we? Sometimes I find rationalising works for me - thinking about how far I've come in the last year and how many people don't have the opportunities I do. Sorry, rant over! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it's not just me! Although I'm very sorry to hear you've been in a grump all day. Yes we should focus on the positives! There are lots and lots of good things! I think my next post will be a "10 good things" post!
ReplyDeleteThis totally sounds like me too! I have always been a worrier. One tip I try is if the situation feels so huge and you are so panicked by it, ask yourself, will this matter next week? Chances are it will all be long forgotten by then, it helps me keep perspective. I do also like to write my worries down, I also find then ripping up each worry helps as a visual reminder to let go too. Great post, thanks x
ReplyDeleteGoodness me, this is EXACTLY me! One small thing (like looking at myself and feeling crap) then spirals to make me so grumpy! It then frustrates me because I know im being stupid and over the top, but then I just annoy myself by having that self awareness! Viscous. Circle. xx
ReplyDeleteApparently we talk about bad news 10 times more than good news, and I know I am so guilty of doing that. I know when I'm being overly dramatic about bad things that happen, but it doesn't stop me, and it really should! I'm trying to do it less and worry less...
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm always catastrophising and it has never done me any good. I've just started writing a daily list of all the positive things that have happened to me so that I can focus on the good points of my life instead of the negatives. Thank you for being so honest about your depression. I have suffered with the illness on/off since I was twelve and find it really helpful reading about others experiences.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a little like this, but then you have to tell yourself that today is one day, tomorrow is a new one, and life is too short to fret about things that you cannot change. You're right about over reacting, you have to try and look at the opposite side of whatever it is as much as possible, then normally you realise it isn't so bad after all!
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