Journal Prompts: Understand Numbing Habits
When times are overwhelming emotionally, we can have the tendency to ignore our emotions. Especially when we feel like we have no control over what is going on that is creating the emotion.
To ignore them we end up using numbing tools.
The problem is this isn’t healthy. Depending on what we are doing it can harm us physically, mentally, socially or financially. Even if your numbing activity is a bit on the healthy side, there are still negative impacts from suppressed emotions.
So, this week we are going to examine ways you are numbing your emotions. And create plans to stop.
Start with the prompt:
How am I numbing my feelings?
Create a list of your numbing activities. For example: drinking, playing video games, binge watching TV, or overeating.
Once you have your list it is time to begin to understand if there is a specific trigger to when you do it. And then why that is.
For each item ask yourself the following questions:
Is there a specific time I do this activity?
Is it triggered by anything?
Why do I do this activity?
For example, you grab a glass of wine when you get off the phone with a family member. You do this because you don’t know how to set boundaries with them and end up emotionally depleted. So, you struggle to process your emotions with no energy and are looking for some instant relief.
After you identify the triggers and reasons for them you can start to create plans as to how to handle this in a healthier way.
For example, instead of a glass of wine you take a short walk. Or you call a supportive friend.
If nothing comes to mind as a numbing activity, create a list of things you either judge yourself about or wish you did less of. Then ask yourself if you are doing any of those to avoid your emotions.
Give yourself time to work through this, as we often don’t recognize we are burying emotions. As you draw attention to it over the week, more things may come up as numbing activities.
Have a great week,
Andrea
P.S. Not sure how to go about healing those emotions? Check out this article on my favorite emotional healing tools.
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