Recognise and accept how you feel
Just like it’s OK to feel happy, it’s OK to feel sad, overwhelmed or scared.
Recognising and accepting your feelings, no matter what they are, can help you be more comfortable with them.
This can be hard. The following steps might help.
- Take some time out from your daily tasks.
- Find a safe place to sit and pay attention to how you feel.
- Try to be aware of the sensations in your body, like your heartbeat and breathing.
- Recognise how you’re feeling. It can help to say it out loud or write it down.
- Allow for those feelings without trying to change them.
Encourage positive feelings
It’s important for your mental health to make time in the day to experience positive feelings.
This could be joy, love or gratitude. It might be contentment, pride or excitement. Or it could be something else – there are many different types of positive feelings.
As a guide, try to schedule in time each day for something that:
- you find fun, relaxing or calming
- gives you a sense of satisfaction or achievement.
This will not only bring enjoyment in times of uncertainty. It may also help you feel a sense of control.