RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...  

Good question! What do you really do with negative emotions at work when you have to keep a professional image; show no emotion; get along; get ahead; keep everyone happy, etc? You probably use mega-energy when you push down “un-resolved negative emotional energy”. Until released, it sticks in your body and leaks out with inappropriately tears, frustration or anger.

When you struggle with challenges (stress) in your career such as finances, job loss, feeling over-sensitive to what others say or do, your personal life or unresolved issues, your fight or flight response “kicks in”. It questions your safety with a rush of chemicals, emotional energy, speeds up your breathing and you receive a “take action” message. Until the energy is released, it sticks in your body and leads to anxiety, exhaustion, depression, addiction (soft and hard), health problems and more.

Handle it or it handles you! Determine how you react to challenge or stress. Do you get bitchy, withdraw, sleep or “stuff” emotions? Where does emotional energy “stick” in your body? Where do you feel it? What does it feel like (anger, fear, jealous, etc.)? Now talk to your body or the emotion. Journal what you feel, hear, think and see. What triggers it? Being to busy, other people, fear, sleep loss, unresolved issues and financial loss? Is it internal, external or both? Are you thinking in the past or future? Are you reacting to a perceived threat or real one? Are you okay (safe) right now? Focus on what you are doing now.

What change is within your personal control? What can and can’t you change? Think outside the box for possibilities and solutions. Consider where you are in life; at work, home, energy level, busy factor, situation, who is involved. Up your awareness to recognize initial signs of stress and do something different: breathe, be in the moment, take a brake, move your body, laugh. Allow private time to grieve the loss of a setback or life changing event. Tune out gossip. Reframe negative talk to positive solutions. Do a pro’s and con’s list. Count your blessings before sleep. Start a “self improvement” program to heal unresolved issues. Move negative energy out of your body: punch a pillow, journal, scream, cry, stomp, dance, exercise or clean. Choose one or two that you are prepared to do today or this week. Follow through! AND BREATHE!

For more advice on handling negative emotions, contact Jan Mitchell, Master NLP & Phone Counselor with Expanding Minds at 403.225.2973. For more about Jan, visit www.expanding-minds.com