Overcoming Bad Experiences from the Past

There comes a point in our existence when we go through dark and terrible times. The pain we feel and the innate struggle we undergo to overcome these bad experiences is part of being human. The journey to rid ourselves from the darkness of the past can be difficult and feel truly impossible at times. However, the truth is that we are not alone. Every one of us has had to overcome a dark time in our life, and no matter how long it takes, it always works out in the end. It is important to realize that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes... good things fall apart so that better things can fall together. But that does not mean you should wait for the pain to subside. Here are my recommendations on what you can do in order to overcome bad experiences from the past:

I. Engage in Self-Care

It is of utmost importance to treat your mind, body, and soul every single day. This is not easy to do because many people are extremely busy, have stressful jobs, or are too consumed in technology to make time for themselves. If you are struggling to find time during the day to relax, then I would recommend taking 17 minute breaks after every 52 minutes of intense work. Here are some easy and beneficial self-care ideas that you can start doing as part of your daily routine:

1. Start writing down any or all of your thoughts in a journal or diary whenever you feel like sharing something
2. Take a nap, it’ll help you feel refreshed
3. Cook a healthy and fulfilling meal
4. Go for a walk
5. Do some drawing and coloring
6. Buy yourself a new book and read it

Self-care is something of a necessity for overcoming a bad experience from the past. We all have mental-health to work on, and it is vital to nurture our health and well-being. And remember this: never feel guilty for taking care of yourself. You need it and you deserve it.

II. Start doing Yoga and/or Meditation

Yoga builds strength, awareness, and harmony for your mind and body. By incorporating effective breathing techniques and meditation, yoga can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regularly practicing yoga has been shown to create a state of mental clarity and peace, increased self-awareness, relief of chronic stress patterns, relaxation of the mind, centering of attention, and sharpening focus.

Yoga requires you to channel your thoughts, emotions, and energy into the present moment, which effectively counteracts any feelings associated with the painful past experiences. By changing the rate, depth, and pattern of breathing, we can alter the messages and signals sent from our body’s respiratory system to the brain.

III. Write your Thoughts Down on a Piece of Paper, and then Throw it Away

If you want to rid yourself of negative thoughts, then try ripping them out and tossing them into the trash. In a new study conducted by researchers, it was discovered that by asking people to write down their thoughts on a piece of paper and then throwing it away, they mentally withdrew from their thoughts as well. By physically throwing away your thoughts or protecting your thoughts, you end up changing the way you use those thoughts. You don’t want to hold on to a painful memory and let it remain stuck in your head. It’s important to vanquish those negative feelings so that they don’t penetrate your mind and negatively impact your mental health. Physically discarding those thoughts makes you feel as if you emotionally discarded them.

There will come a time when we need to let go of the darkness surrounding our past. We have to accept what happened and realize that it was meant to happen for a reason. However, by holding on to those painful memories and indulging in a pool of negativity, we only remain lost in the darkness and allow this negative energy to penetrate our well-being and health. By making time for self-care, trying activities such as yoga and meditation, and physically vanquishing our negative thoughts, we come one inch closer to inner peace and acceptance. Don’t let a bad experience or painful memory take control of you and penetrate your mind. Understand that without facing the darkness, you can’t see the glory of life.