When faced with painful emotions, avoidance is almost an automatic response - a habit picked up throughout the years. These feelings may dissipate, but only temporarily. Unaddressed pain persists.
Instead of judging our feelings (and ourselves), the key is to acknowledge and accept our feelings as they are, which actually relieves discomfort, Psychotherapist Monette Cash said. Having emotional tolerance means letting our feelings come — not resisting or judging them — and then letting them go, she said.
A three-step process called “Don’t React Compulsively” (DRC) helps Cash's clients tolerate painful emotions.
1. Distract.
First distract yourself from the situation that is causing emotional pain.
2. Relax.
Relaxation might include deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive relaxation or visual imagery.
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Category(s):Mindfulness, Mindfulness Meditation, Pain management
Source material from Psych Central
