What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
I used to turn to food when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. It wasn’t the healthiest way to cope, and I realized it was only a temporary comfort. I’m not perfect and sometimes I still slip into old habits, but I’m working on changing them one step at a time.
Sometimes life brings moments when negative feelings try to take over. Loneliness, chronic pain, grief,estranged family, and missing people we love can weigh heavily on the heart. These emotions can play tricks on the mind. One feeling can lead to another, and before you know it, months—even years can pass and you feel stuck in an emotional sinkhole that feels like it’s filling with quicksand. The harder you try to get out, the more it seems to pull you in.
To me, this can also be a spiritual battle.
There have been times in my life when I have felt stuck, or when these feelings come in waves. I noticed this all started when I was abused in my 1st marriage, it was a way to cope to control over something.
On those days, now I remind myself to slow down, breathe, and take care of myself—especially my mind and heart. A broken heart, a lonely heart, a grieving heart, or a life that seems to have more downs than ups can be exhausting.
One strategy that has always helped me is spending time in nature. When I was able to, I would take quiet walks by the beach. The sound of the waves, the fresh ocean breeze, and the peaceful view of the water helped clear my thoughts and calm my spirit. Nature has a way of reminding me that storms pass and peace eventually returns.
For the past seven months, however, I was unable to do that. Because I was in a walking boot, limited weight bearing; I couldn’t go for walks—no beach, no outings, nothing. During that time I had to stay indoors, so I turned to other things that helped. And yes sometimes I resorted from boredom to food. I also gained 15 lbs.
It was time to steer clear of the ship in a different direction.
Music became very important. Good music relaxes my mind, lifts my mood, and helps me process my emotions in a healthy way. I also listen to Christian talk radio, which is very uplifting.
Writing is great. It helps to get your negative emotions out, and work through things.
Back home in Ohio, another thing that helped was surrounding myself with the right people. Choosing positive company matters. I tried to surround myself with people who bring encouragement, understanding, and kindness—those who uplift rather than add more burdens.
Here in Florida, it has been very lonely at times. So lonely that sometimes you wonder why you even moved here. It certainly hasn’t been the close family experience we were told it would be. Some parts are fun, but if I’m honest, my husband and I sometimes feel more lonely now than before.
After seven months in a walking boot, I am still limited in what I can do, but thankfully I am now allowed short walks in the neighborhood.
Even these small walks help. The fresh air calms my mind and gives me space to think clearly. It reminds me that difficult seasons are part of life, but they do not last forever.
Another strategy I always turn to is prayer and quiet reflection. Talking to God helps me release the heavy emotions I’m carrying. It gives me peace and renewed hope that tomorrow will be better.
Finally, I try to focus on doing something positive—helping someone else or completing a small task I enjoy. Shifting my attention from the problem to something meaningful helps restore my strength.
Coping with negative feelings is not about ignoring them. It’s about facing them with patience, faith, and positive action. Through quiet reflection, music, nature, prayer, and supportive people, I eventually find balance again.
Negative feelings may come, but with the right mindset and environment, they don’t have to stay.
Joyful-Echoes 