How To Calm Down When You Feel Upset

Summary

The article discusses strategies for managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook despite life's challenges.

Abstract

The author shares personal experiences of recent stressful events, including paying a fine, dealing with train delays, and receiving a high gas bill. Despite these inconveniences, the author finds solace by reflecting on the greater struggles of others, appreciating life's simple pleasures, and acknowledging that tomorrow is a new day. The article emphasizes the importance of perspective, resilience, and the therapeutic effect of releasing emotions through tears. It concludes with a reminder of life's goodness and an invitation to become a Medium Member for full access to the author's content.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that while their problems are valid, others face more significant challenges, such as job loss, illness, and personal loss.
There is a recognition that life's small joys, like a conversation with a friend or the beauty of nature, can provide comfort and peace.
The author believes in the power of positive thinking and the deliberate choice to focus on good things amidst stress.
The article suggests that acknowledging and expressing emotions, like crying, can be cathartic and beneficial for mental health.
The author expresses gratitude to Trista Signe Ainsworth for reminding them of life's inherent goodness, indicating a belief in the influence of others' perspectives on personal well-being.

Big and small things

The last few days were a little complicated for me. I had to face many inconveniences: I had to pay a fine. I was against it and got angry, but paid anyway. Then the train that was supposed to take me to work was running behind schedule, and I got late for the office two days in a row. I couldn’t have lunch since I had to recover those lost hours. I was nervous and tired. I got the new gas bill, and the amount of money I had to pay scared me.

While trying to feel better and overcome those stressful moments, I recalled all the people struggling even more: a friend of mine had lost his job, another was sick, a third friend had lost her beloved brother. Those are bigger problems compared to my practical issues. Not to mention the population who had their families and homes destroyed by war.

I also considered that there are so many wonderful things in life that can distract me from those difficulties. A short talk with a friend, a smile, flowers blossoming everywhere, the fresh morning air. I am sure you all have little things that help you feel at peace with the world and comfort you.

We should all enjoy all those seemingly inconsequential actions which brighten our mood. Cleaning up the house, saying I love you to my crazy cat Mia, who turns away immediately after. Thinking about my mother’s pale blue eyes. Washing my hair. Finally, restraining my thoughts and thinking I will worry tomorrow, not today, not this evening.

After all, big problems and small things make me feel better and realize it could be worse. I accept what life throws at me, both good and bad.

Yet yesterday evening I was so overwhelmed by a wide variety of emotions, fatigue, disappointment, dissatisfaction, that I ended up crying while waiting for another late train at 8 pm.

Sometimes you just need to release some stress to feel good, so shedding a tear helps a lot.

Thank you Trista Signe Ainsworth for reminding us that life is good!

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