Ignoring Emotions? It Might Be Making You Sick (E44)

Emotions are a fundamental part of our human experience, yet many of us have been taught to ignore or suppress them. We often think that pushing away negative emotions will make them disappear. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Emotions don’t actually go away when you ignore them; they stay in your body and can cause problems.

When you suppress one emotion, you suppress them all. For example, if you’ve ever held back tears and swallowed the lump in your throat to avoid feeling sad, you’ve likely noticed it’s difficult to experience joy as well. Emotions play a crucial role in allowing in what is healthy and keeping out what is unwanted or unhealthy. But we haven’t been taught how to express them properly, like healthy anger.

The Importance of Healthy Anger

Think about it like this: Imagine someone standing 1 inch away from your face. If you knew how to feel healthy anger, you could tell them to step back, maintaining your personal space and avoiding conflict. Our immune system works in a similar way. It allows in healthy bacteria and vitamins while keeping out harmful bacteria and viruses.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert on trauma and addiction, explains that our emotional and immune systems are interconnected. When you suppress emotions, they get stuck in your system, blocking it and causing issues like digestive problems. Since it’s the same system as your immune system, suppressing emotions also suppresses your immune response, which can lead to autoimmune disorders.

Steps to Allow Yourself to Feel Emotions

So, how do you start allowing yourself to feel all your emotions? Here are a few steps:

1. ??? Learn to Feel Safe: If you don’t feel safe, it’s really difficult to feel your emotions. Find a way to feel safe first, like engaging in somatic practices, and then practice feeling your emotions.
2. ??♀? Acknowledge Your Emotions: When you feel something, don’t push it away. Recognize it and give it space. This simple act of acknowledgment can begin the process of emotional healing.
3. ??? Express Your Feelings: Find healthy ways to express your emotions, whether through talking, writing, or creative outlets. Bottling up your feelings can lead to more significant issues down the line.
4. ?? Practice Mindfulness: Stay present with your feelings without judgment. Mindfulness helps in understanding and processing emotions, allowing them to pass through you rather than getting stuck.

The Power of Emotional Health

Emotions are not just fleeting feelings; they are integral to our overall health and well-being. Ignoring or suppressing them can lead to severe physical and mental health issues. By acknowledging, expressing, and understanding our emotions, we can create a healthier, more balanced life.

Your Gentle Nudge

Don’t suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to feel them fully and let them guide you to what’s healthy and away from what’s not. ??

Taking the time to work through your emotions can lead to profound personal growth and well-being. Start today by acknowledging how you feel and taking steps to express those feelings in healthy ways. Your body and mind will thank you.

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