One of the most important actions to take on the path to emotional healing is to identify the types of people and activities that cause you emotional discomfort, so you can avoid them.
Violent or graphic news stories. These may be especially disturbing given your extra sensitive mental state. Even if the news is not covering violent topics, you may wish to avoid tuning. Most news stories tend to be heavily sensationalized, polarizing, and controversial. All of which can stir up anxious or depressed feelings.
Exceedingly negative people. Everyone lets off a little steam now and then. But if certain people in your life seem to ooze negativity from every pore of their bodies, then you will likely want to spend as little time as possible with them, especially now.
Uncomfortable situations. As mentioned, certain scenarios, such as when conflict is brewing or when someone is behaving in an antagonistic or aggressive manner, should be avoided. Any time someone else is triggered, this may set you off emotionally, producing an undesirable reaction that may range from feeling nervous to arguing to shouting to crying and even shaking in fear.
Anything that puts stress on the nervous system. This can include loud noises, crowded spaces, and other forms of sensory stimulation. If you are in a fragile state of mind, something like a busy carnival could stress you out, as could a wildly barking dog or room full of screaming children.
Use your good judgment and try to limit over exposure to stressful environments and people. You’ll know when your system is ready to take on this type of activity once again. Until then, enjoy the peace and quiet.
This post is part of the Emotional Healing series. Printable version available soon.