Dancing, Meditation, and Social Connections – Bye-Bye Negative Feelings

I thought I’d tackle one of these daily prompts as it’s always fascinating to see what others do to cope with the weight of life.

I have quite a few strategies that I have built up over the years, and it took a few minutes to establish which ones made me cope with my negative feelings.

Interestingly enough, you could read into this question and take time to consider whether anything you do is strategic, or whether it is just an activity.

In my case, I have a range of activities that seem to keep negative feelings at bay and then a few strategies when it all becomes overwhelming.

Activities that Keep Negative Feelings at Bay

What I have found anecdotally is that activities that keep negative feelings at bay tend to embody certain characteristics:

1. They involve connecting socially with others
2. They involve an element of self-development and learning
3. They require concentration and focus
4. They get you into a different environment
5. They involve an element of self-expression

The activities in my life that distract me from negative feelings include salsa and bachata dancing, swimming, gym, sauna, hanging out with friends, travelling, and blogging. I believe that dance comes at the top of the list, as its benefits are multi-fold.

When my dad retired from work, I noticed a huge decline in his mental and physical faculties. He seemed like the shadow of the man I knew before.

However, my parents started to go out for dance classes and tea dances, and I witnessed an almost immediate transformation. I have little doubt that dance has halted his aging and mental decline significantly.

I realise that dance gets you socialising and building relationships, thinking quickly from movement to movement, engaging in aerobic breathing, expressing yourself, and seeking a new environment.

Strategies

In terms of strategies that I use from time to time to deal with these negative feelings, I have five specific strategies:

1. I write down my thoughts and feelings
2. I sit down and meditate taking deep breaths
3. I take a walk in nature
4. I attempt to accept the situation as it is
5. I seek out counsel from a friend or therapist

Additional activities that might work for you may include separating yourself from negative influences such as the news (nothing good is ever on there) and avoiding negative people.

They have discovered that people who spend more time watching current events tend to feel more stressed in their lives.

In addition, sleep quantity and quality are major factors which can affect our life satisfaction. If I have a solid seven hours of good-quality sleep, I know that I can accomplish almost anything.

Conclusion

Exploring strategies to cope with life’s challenges is not only insightful but essential for maintaining mental well-being. Please note that sometimes avoiding negative feelings is not always the best course of action – you often should confront them head-on.

Reflecting on personal experiences, it becomes evident that certain activities can effectively alleviate negative feelings, such as social dancing, physical exercise, and engaging hobbies like blogging.

Moreover, implementing strategies like journaling, meditation, and seeking support from others can provide valuable tools for navigating difficult emotions. It’s important to recognise the significance of self-care and to tailor coping mechanisms to individual needs.

By embracing positive activities and employing effective strategies, we can better manage the weight of life and foster resilience in the face of adversity.