Managing Stress Through Self-Expression
Expressing your feelings may be helpful, but it might not come naturally to everyone. As with
all
skills, it can be strengthened through practice.
We can express our emotions in many different ways: painting, listening to music, or making
crafts.
You may find that writing a daily diary helps reduce your anxiety. Expressive writing can
put some structure to your anxious feelings. What you choose to write about should be important
to you.
Try including these phrases:
"I feel like this because…/This happened because…"
"I realize now that…/This has made me understand that…"
If writing down your thoughts triggers an extremely emotional response and you find yourself
getting very upset, don’t push yourself to complete a diary entry. If this happens, mention this
to your healthcare provider in your next appointment, so that they can provide alternative solutions to
managing your emotional health and well-being.
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*Lungs&You® does not provide medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your health.