Interpret the Mind: A Handbook of Mental Health

Author: Beijing Association of Social Sciences/ Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Emotional management is divided into two major aspects: one is dealing with negative emotions, and the other is enhancing stress tolerance—improving self-function.
1. Dealing with negative emotions
Energy release method: The energy generated by negative emotions can be adjusted through various means. For example, when angry or furious, you can go to an open place and shout a few times, or engage in heavy physical labor, or participate in intense sports activities like running a few laps or throwing some lead balls. This transforms psychological energy into physical energy, helping to vent frustration. When experiencing excessive pain or sadness, crying is also an effective way to release negative emotions.
Language suggestion method: When negative emotions are about to erupt or when feeling extremely, you can use language to suggest adjustments and relax psychological tension, thereby alleviating negative emotions. When you are about to get angry, you can use language to remind yourself: "Don’t do something foolish. Anger is a sign of incompetence. Anger harms yourself, others, and achieves nothing." Such self-reminders can help calm your mood.
Environmental regulation method: The scenery of nature can broaden the mind, delight the body and soul, and cultivate one’s temperament. Taking a walk in nature has a positive effect on regulating psychological activity. Never stay cooped up in a room, sulking. For those in long-term stressful work, regularly taking time to relax in nature is highly beneficial for maintaining physical health and regulating mental tension.
Seeking guidance method: When emotions are suppressed, one should vent their troubles. Especially for introverted individuals, relying solely on self-control and self-regulation is often insufficient. You can find a family member, friend, or someone you trust to confide in and seek their help and guidance. Observing perspectives may provide clarity and insight.
Self-motivation method: Self-motivation is one of the driving forces of spiritual activity and also a method to maintain mental health. When facing difficulties, setbacks, blows, adversity, misfortune, or pain, one should use firm beliefs, the actions of great figures, role models in life, and the wisdom of life to comfort oneself, generating the courage and strength to fight against pain. P44-45