Emotions Have Gotten A Bad Wrap

Emotions themselves are actually a healthy, productive, biological, and normal part of the human experience!

However, sometimes they just feel like a nuisance.

They usually feel like such a bother because they are communicating and calling on us to attend to something! And sometimes we just feel too busy or too preoccupied to do so. Also, emotions have gotten a bad reputation: an “emotional” person is considered child-like and like they can’t get a grip on reality.

Oftentimes in childhood, as a response to our youthful dysregulated emotions, we are told to “not get upset” as a response to our emotions.

This makes sense, as usually the person saying so is trying to come up with a solution to the dysregulated or over reactive response. A kid screaming and crying at the top of their lungs is a situation that adults are just looking for solutions to.

However, this response lends to not actually  figuring out how to work through the emotions. 

How We Respond To Our Emotions Matter

It’s easy to respond to our emotions in two ways:

1. Ignore them

2. Be consumed by them

One response is by being overly reactive to them and allowing them to consume us.

The more common approach as we enter adulthood is to ignore them, stuff them, or discredit them.

One response feels more active and like you’re actually doing something about it, and one is more passive and falls under the belief that there is nothing you can do about your emotional response.

Both responses are ignoring what the emotions are telling you. 

Because that’s what emotions are there for- to tell you something!

Emotions are our internal messengers and communicators to tell us how to respond to our external and physical world!

When our emotions are stuffed deep down, anxiety, depression, and/ or OCD are usually sitting on top of them. And when our emotions are out of control, anxious, intrusive, or depressive thoughts often follow.

Our mental health and cognitive functioning is strongly dependent on our ability to feel, experience, explore, understand, and cope with our emotions.

How Your Childhood Experiences Shape Your Emotions Responses

Usually the way we handle emotions is affected by the models and societal messages around us growing up.

If your family didn’t talk about emotions, then it’s likely you don’t talk about emotions.

If your family had really big and unhinged emotions that felt scary as a child, then emotions may be avoided so that your world feels more safe.

If you didn’t have a place to share or process your emotions, then you may have learned to just keep them bottled up and stuffed down (because what else were you supposed to do?).

On the other hand, we might express our emotions loudly and openly to get what we want. This could be due to trauma, confusion, or struggles with boundaries. When we don’t know how to handle our emotions, they can become explosive or overwhelming for us and others. In this case, our emotions may feel like "demons," leaving us wondering how to get rid of them.

We've all had those days when the mere thought of getting out of bed feels like an insurmountable challenge. Whether it's due to stress, fatigue, or just a general lack of motivation, we've all been there. The good news is that there are simple and effective ways to shake off that morning slump and start your day on a positive note. In this blog, we'll explore 10 tips to help you feel better and kickstart your day with renewed energy.

Tips for Getting Out Of Bed

1) Morning Visualization and Affirmations

Before getting out of bed, take a moment to visualize a positive and successful day ahead. You can also practice affirmations by repeating positive statements about yourself and your goals. This mental preparation can set a constructive tone for the day and boost your confidence.

2) Leverage Your Breath

While many of you know about using your breath to lower your heart rate by using long, slow exhales, the opposite is true. Try taking several long, full inhales to help energize your body before swinging your feet to the floor. You will find it helps increase your energy!

3) Incorporate Gentle Stretching Or Yoga

Engage your body and mind with gentle stretching or a short yoga routine. These activities can help increase blood flow, improve flexibility, and release tension. You don't need a lengthy workout; just a few minutes of stretching or yoga poses can invigorate your body and make it easier to transition from bed to a more active state.

4) Light Exposure

Exposure to natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm and promoting wakefulness. Open your curtains or blinds to let in natural light as soon as you wake up. If possible, take a short walk outside to soak in the sunlight. Natural light exposure helps reset your internal clock, signaling to your body that it's time to be awake and alert.

5) Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

The quality of your sleep environment can significantly impact your ability to get out of bed feeling refreshed. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows, and make your bedroom a serene and relaxing space. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet to create an optimal sleeping environment. This can make waking up in the morning a more pleasant experience.

6) Start With Baby Steps

Start with small goals. That may be to simply stand up, step one foot outside, or grab a class of water before laying down again. Accomplishing goals increases your dopamine, making it easier to accomplish larger goals over time.

7) Create a Morning Playlist

Create a morning playlist filled with your favorite uplifting tunes or listen to motivational podcasts. Music has the power to influence our mood and energy levels, making it an excellent tool to kickstart your day. Whether you prefer calming melodies or upbeat rhythms, find what resonates with you and use it to create a positive morning routine.

8) Plan Something To Look Forward To

Having a purpose or something to look forward to can make getting out of bed more appealing. It could be as simple as planning a delicious breakfast, treating yourself to a coffee, or having a small personal project to work on. Setting positive intentions for the day can provide motivation and make the act of getting out of bed feel more rewarding.

9) Hydrate Your Body

Dehydration can contribute to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. Start your day by drinking a glass of water to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep. Staying hydrated throughout the day can improve your overall well-being and help you feel more alert. Consider keeping a water bottle by your bedside to make it a habit to drink water as soon as you wake up.

10) Seek Support

If feelings of fatigue or lack of motivation persist, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sometimes, these feelings can be indicative of underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Talking to someone you trust or seeking professional help can provide valuable insights and guidance on improving your mental well-being.