By: @dr.dyce
When your feelings are hurt, where does that emotion go? It’s easy for us to think about healing a broken ankle because we can pinpoint a particular area that hurts. But what happens when grief sets in and it is your heart that hurts?
Life experiences are confusing to sort out because oftentimes our feelings and thoughts get intertwined. A broken heart can make you physically sick. In fact, there is even a condition called the broken heart syndrome where profound emotional sadness influences the health of your body, including your immune system, blood pressure, and heart rate - to name a few. It is shocking to think about heartbreak and what it can do to the psyche. To think that another human being can be a catalyst for emotions that can alter you at a cellular level is quite scary.
The process of healing from a broken heart comes with many triggers and setbacks. Your attempt to move on from a person or a situation has everything to do with your thoughts towards change. Each time you face a challenge, you have to make a decision on which way to go. Learning to live with loss and pain is a part of life.
Positive Distractions
Normalize conversations around your feelings. This is an effective way to process your emotions and move on.
Focus on your mindset. Introspective work is not easy. My ask is that you show up for yourself and know progress often involves doing things that may feel out of your comfort zone.
Be careful of personalizing blame, or believing that everything other people do or say is some kind of direct, personal reaction to you.
Focus on living in the present moment and grounding your body. Living in the moment is a game changer. Although it is healthy to schedule in time to emotionally process your emotions, focus on coming back into the present moment through your breath when intrusive thoughts come spiraling in at unsuitable times.
Navigating your memories in a healthy way is the key to processing.
Take care, Dr. Dyce
