We've all been there. Tears welling up in your eyes, feelings slightly flushed, being upset but not knowing why. People know that something is wrong but they breathe in their discomfort and exhale an "I'm fine." Sometimes people feel upset and aren't quite sure why -- this is normal. Sometimes people feel lonely although they are with loved ones -- this is normal. Being "fine" is normal, but uncomfortable. So what do you do?
Being the highly-emotional person that I am, I have come across various remedies for being "fine" and have chosen to share them with all of my fellow emotional peers.
1. Tell someone!
Although it can be a vulnerable experience, there is nothing wrong with telling your friend, "I'm feeling upset but I am not sure why." Humans experience a broad spectrum of emotions and someone is bound to relate to how you are feeling.
2. Go outside.
Go for a run, a walk, or just sit down. Being with nature is so incredibly peaceful. Simply breathing fresh air and hearing the sounds around you can remind you how important it is to be present, and can in turn brighten your mood.
3. Cry.
Again, maybe it is just me being overly emotional, but I think that crying is one of the best solutions to this problem. I happen to be very comfortable with crying (I have been a culprit in crying in some of the most public places in the world) and therefore think that it can make a bad mood a good one almost instantly. Crying is cathartic and something catharsis is what you need.
4. Dance.
Put on some tunes and get that body moving. At first it might be awkward to twerk while on the verge of tears, but eventually you'll forget that you were bummed in the first place.
5. Take a shower.
This sometimes helps. It sometimes does not. At least you'll be clean.
6. Hang out with some friends!
Grab some drinks! Grab some pizza! Grab some groceries! Just do something social to remind yourself that you are not alone.
7. Write down how you're feeling.
I like to keep a journal with me wherever I go; however, I only write in it when I'm feeling upset. Granted, my journal entries paint my life as being much more somber than it actually is, but it is incredibly helpful.
8. Talk to a professional.
If you feel that you are in a down mood, often something more serious could be going on. Quite frankly, everyone could benefit from talking to a professional. There's no shame in reaching out for help.
At the end of the day, all of us experience both negative and positive emotions, and being upset does not set you apart from the human race. Realize that it is OK to be upset and it is OK to ask for help!
