Feeling Irritable? Follow These Four Steps to Properly Manage it Every Time
by www.Sedona.com
You’re feeling irritable, cranky, and crabby, and nothing is making you feel better. Not watching your favorite movie, chatting with your best friend, or cuddling on the couch with your family. At times like this, you feel impatient and prone to over-reacting, yet you’re pretty much inconsolable.
What Causes Feelings of Irritability?
Sometimes it can feel like you just “woke up on the wrong side of bed,” and it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why you feel so crabby. And, oftentimes, there may not be a specific reason. However, here are some typical causes of this all-too-common complaint:
Life circumstances, such as job stress, relationship trouble, or feeling overwhelmed
Usually irritability is caused by one of the factors listed above (especially the first one), but in rare instances it may be the symptom of a medical condition such as neurological problems, substance abuse, or mental illness such as depression.
Assuming you’re feeling irritable because of “the ususals” == work deadlines, traffic jams, too many errands with screaming kids, an argument with your spouse, etc., etc., etc. -- there are ways that you can help yourself to feel better, right away.
Want to Stop Feeling Irritable?
It’s no fun being crabby, so the next time you start to feel irritated at the drop of a hat, here’s what to know and do:
1. Welcome the feeling. It may sound counterintuitive, but welcoming your irritability is the first step to feeling better, according to Hale Dwoskin, CEO and director of training of Sedona Training Associates.
“Feeling irritable and crabby are feelings just like any other feelings. By welcoming the feeling briefly and simply allowing it to be there, these feelings will soon dissolve. You will find they have as much substance as a soap bubble.”
2. Get into the moment. Irritability is often caused by over-thinking. You may be shuttling your kids to soccer while running over tomorrow’s work presentation, and your grocery list, in your mind -- and at the same time thinking about an argument you had with your neighbor this morning. By doing this, you are living in the past and the future while completely passing up the present, which is the only time you have any power over anyway. So, if you start to feel irritable, bring your mind to the present moment, in this case focusing only on driving your kids to soccer, and leave the rest of your thoughts behind.
3. Let the feeling go. “The instant you stop resisting any negative emotion, including irritability, is the instant it gives up its hold over you,” Dwoskin says. “So, welcome the feeling and then let it go. This frees up space for you to begin feeling good -- feeling the peace that you truly are.”
Not sure how to let go? Then you haven’t learned The Sedona Method. This simple tool will teach you how to let go of your irritability and other negative emotions on the spot.
4. Take care of yourself. Now that you know how to manage irritable feelings, it’s worth mentioning that you can nip a lot of these feelings in the bud by getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and taking time to relax when you need it. But for those times when irritability creeps up on you, remember to simply let the feeling go.
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