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Emotional Leftovers

 

Have you ever noticed there's nothing quite like a post holiday fridge clean-out? Stuff you put back, thinking you'd get to it, only to cover it up with even more leftovers? There's the dish your (insert family member) insisted on you keeping, because surely your kids will want to eat it. Or (insert other family member) thinks it's your favorite, even though you've told them every year that you're not a fan, so you feel obligated to take it. Maybe you just really loved it that first time you ate it, thinking you'd want more, and then you forgot about it.

 

We often treat our emotions like leftovers; boxed up, sealed or bagged tight, waiting until a more opportune time comes around for us to sort them out and take care of them. We add more to them, hide them with more leftovers (emotions) and then get distracted by other things going on. Then the holidays come to an end and we are left with the mess of the leftovers, starting the process all over again. 

 

 

 

Keys to keeping your emotional fridge clear of useless leftovers

 

- Regular, routine, cleaning:

Maybe this is weekly therapy to keep processing and sort out those emotions.

 

- Utilize self-care:

Whether it's going to the gym, reading a book, sleeping in on Saturday, etc. You know what works for you - find what works and use it!

 

- Supplements/Medication:

Sometimes simply some extra Vitamin D is all it takes to help tackle the additional bumps that come with the winter months. 

 

-External Outlets:

Journaling is one of the most effective coping mechanisms. Psychology Today says reports from a survey indicates half of us have written in a journal and currently 1 in 6 are currently journaling right now. (September 20, 2020 "The Power of Journaling" Abigail Fagan) Journaling, as well as art , music, yoga, etc. are great ways to release suppressed emotions.

 

- Support:

Find your friends, your co-workers, a mentor at church, a mom's group; something. Giving yourself something to look forward to and be accountable for attending.

 

 

 

 

Routine use of all of these things can help with an emotional up-keep all year-long. If you are ready to start your emotional routine with therapy, reach out to our office today. #you'renotalone