102 — How to Stay Mentally Strong When You Get Bad News
From job rejections to health problems, bad news is part of life. But the way you respond to bad news can make all the difference in how you feel as you move forward.
Staying mentally strong in the face of bad news can help you solve a problem, cope better, and manage your stress. Here are seven strategies that can help you cope with whatever challenges life throws your way.
Key Takeaways:
- Acknowledge and label your emotions without judgment to help process feelings more effectively.
- Manage negative thoughts by reframing them and focusing on messages of resilience and hope.
- Identify what you can control in the situation and take intentional action in those areas.
- Practice self-care by maintaining fundamental health habits like eating, sleeping, and exercising.
- Set boundaries on who you discuss the bad news with to protect your emotional space and privacy.
Notable Quotes:
- “Your thoughts fuel your emotions. So if you let yourself believe that you’re an awful person or that you’re never going to feel okay again, you’ll stay stuck in a dark place.”
- “There’s always something that you can control, but we usually put the energy in the wrong place.”
- “Rough times are an opportunity to use my skills or I’ll get through this.”
Timestamp | Summary |
0:01:10 | Why it’s important to label feelings and allowing yourself to feel |
0:04:17 | How to change the story you tell yourself |
0:05:50 | How to focus on what you can control |
0:07:50 | Return to the basics of self-care |
0:08:44 | Set boundaries around discussions |
0:10:50 | Find healthy distractions |
0:11:37 | Reflect on past difficult times |
0:12:10 | When to seek professional help |
0:13:09 | How to get free help |
0:13:45 | What it means to stay mentally strong |
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