Dealing with Frustrations
Every day there are plenty of good reasons to be frustrated.
Undoubtedly, the people closest to us frustrate us the most.
Frustration and anger are fundamental emotions that everyone experiences from time to time. Being able to deal with frustration effectively is an important skill for us to develop; otherwise, frustrations will take control.
Frustration is defined as an emotion that occurs when a person is blocked from reaching a desired goal or outcome.
Frustration ranges from minor irritations to major problems such as continued failure towards a goal. Frustration can be a useful indicator and can act as a motivator to change or a cue that it’s time to take a break from what you’re doing.
Warning signs of frustration vary and may include the following:
Unpleasant facial expression
Tapping your fingers
Scratching a body part
Rubbing your face or the back of your neck
Shaking your foot in a nervous fashion
Your posture changes from relaxed to stiff
Your breathing pattern becomes shorter
Trying to suppress or ignore signs of frustration will only make it worse.
Feeling frustrated, irritable, annoyed, and angry can result in stress, resentment, depression, or a downward spiral to the point of resignation or a desire to give up. If you catch yourself showing signs of frustration, it’s time to step away for a little while. One of the best antidotes for dealing with frustration involves the use of gratitude.
"Our deepest sense of gratitude comes through grace, with the awareness that we have not earned, nor do we deserve all that we've been given."
Here are some other tips:
Shift your focus. Sometimes the most appropriate step might be to forsake the issue for a while and focus on something completely different, such as helping someone else. As a byproduct of helping others, the solution to your problem may come to you when you seemingly weren’t attempting to find a solution. Your mind works in mysterious ways. It’s working for you even when you’re not conscious of it.
Acknowledge your emotions. Ask yourself, “How do I feel right now?” When you’re accurate and honest with yourself about how you feel, something strange and wonderful happens. By taking time out to notice how you feel, you can dissipate some of your feelings of frustration. Once you recognize your feelings, you’re better able to take steps to manage them.
Recognize that a problem comes with a solution. A mere change in perception can help you find a solution. Charles F. Kettering, a co-founder of the Sloan-Kettering Institute, points out that a problem solver’s job is not to master a problem, but to make the problem generate its solution. Kettering believes that a solution exists in tandem with a problem and, as you explore the problems and ask yourself key questions, the answers will generate the solutions that you’re seeking.
Life is full of frustrations, and many of the things we truly want come with some degree of frustration. In order to remain happy and positive, even in trying circumstances, we need to be able to manage frustration.
"Needing to have things perfect is the surest way to immobilize yourself with frustration." - Wayne Dyer
‘Frustration is a sign that I am acting independently. The more you try your own way, the tighter the doors will stay closed." - Joyce Meyer
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea McLeish
Promoting inner health & outer beauty! Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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Reference: National Institute of Health♦