Why You Don’t Have to Be Optimistic All the Time, And WhyExpressing Emotions Matters

Many of us would have heard this countless times, about the importance of having a positive mindset, and staying optimistic. While focusing on what you can control, and maintaining positive thoughts can make life easier, and happier, forcing yourself to be positive when you are genuinely struggling can be harmful. Phrases like, “Look on the bright side” or “stay positive” may seem helpful, but they don’t always benefit you in the long run. Expressing emotions is as important as maintaining optimism. When you conceal your feelings and force positivity, it causes issues like, burnout and anxiety. Here is why it is important to acknowledge your emotions instead of ignoring them.

First of all, feelings of sadness, anger or frustration are not negative emotions, that you should avoid completely. Feeling them doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. There is a reason behind each and every emotion, a person could feel angry for being treated unfairly, or frustrated after facing rejection, despite trying hard. It is only natural to feel this way.

Instead of masking these emotions, give yourself time to process and heal. When you bottle up all the emotions instead of expressing them, it can be overwhelming. This can lead to sudden outbursts breakdown, stress, anxiety and uncontrollable anger. Overtime, it becomes hard to communicate feelings, which can hinder your relationships. Suppressing emotions can also take a toll on physical health causing, fatigue, headaches and a compromised immune system. Most importantly, when you constantly neglecting your sentiments, leave you feeling disconnected with yourself.

Instead of trying to conceal your emotions, try releasing them in healthy ways. For instance, when you feel sorrow, allow yourself to cry. Crying is a sign of strength, and one of the best ways to let go of built-up feelings. Talk to someone who listen to you, without judgement. It can be your therapist, or a trusted friend just express your feelings freely. If you don’t have anyone to share your feelings with, that’s okay. You can journal your thoughts and emotions instead. Writing down how you feel, brings clarity and help you release emotional tension.

When you feel overwhelmed, meditation can help you acknowledge your emotions and calm your mind. Engaging in activities, that helps you release the pent-up emotions can be beneficial as well. Whether it is physical activities, like exercise, dancing walking or expressing yourself creatively through painting, writing or music, the key is to focus on those feelings and unpack them when needed. Optimism is significant, but so is emotional authenticity. Honouring your emotions and being more compassionate with yourself are true signs of mental well-being. Remember, it is okay to not feel okay. True growth happens when you allow yourself to sit with your feelings, process them and heal. Embracing all your emotions without judgement, allows you build a genuine connection with yourself, and is the ultimate sign of true strength.