Discomfort is a signal, not an issue
Well-being 🌿 | Constructive attitude 🏗️ | #Signals #Perspective #Mindfulness
TL;DR
Discomfort can be seen as a useful signal for necessary change in our lives.
Shifting perspective empowers proactive recognition and control of well-being.
Seeking professional help is crucial for persistent or severe distress; view discomfort as a hint to identify and address underlying issues.
Seed
We all have phases where we experience some degree of discomfort. Maybe it's a physical sensation, a racing heart or a knot in your stomach. Or perhaps it's an emotion, like anxiety, sadness, or anger.
It's common to only see them as annoying sensations to get rid of or to push through stoically. Sometimes, we might even see them as just a new problem to handle. But there must be a reason why they appeared in the first place. So what if we shifted our perspective and saw them as useful signals instead?
Discomfort is our body and mind's way of telling us that something needs to change in our lives. And that message is valuable information that can help us improve our current state.
This shift in perspective can be empowering. It puts you in control of your well-being and mental health. It encourages you to proactively recognise any uneasiness you may go through.
Of course, if you're facing persistent or severe distress, it's best to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify the root cause of those feelings. And they can provide you with tools and strategies to address them.
So the next time you feel uncomfortable, try to see it first as something positive. “Don’t shoot the messenger”. Consider it as a precious hint. Work with your body, not against it. Search for the underlying issue. And take action that will dissolve the unwanted feeling.
Example
Let's say you started to develop anxiety symptoms. Your chest feels tight, you feel like the world could collapse at any time and it's hard to breathe. And these are unusual symptoms for you. It might even be the first time you feel this way.
Instead of feeling annoyed or irritated by those symptoms, you can consider them as a feature. Your body is telling you that maybe you've been pushing yourself too hard lately. Or maybe you've been neglecting your self-care routine.
By paying attention to your anxiety, you can identify what needs to change and take action to address the underlying issue.
Bonus
You can apply this Seed to positive signals as well. Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate when you feel happier or more satisfied than usual. Make a habit of reflecting on what might have contributed to these positive feelings. By being mindful of your sensations and emotions, you can cultivate a greater sense of well-being and fulfilment.
Special thanks to Silvia for teaching me this one 😊