Distract yourself by considering people who are worse off then you.
Alternatively, you can think about a time when things were worse in your own life. This can help you experience a greater gratitude for your current reality. The point is not to invalidate how you feel but to help you put your situation into perspective. The process of comparing reminds you that there are situations that are worse than yours. |
Many feel that this is not a very effective skill for them to use, so each should decide if this is more likely to help them, or more likely to make them feel worse. Please use caution when comparing yourself to others:
One way the skill can be used is to compare your current situation to those of others who are less fortunate. In this way, you may experience a sense of gratitude that your situation is not worse and a sense of compassion for those who may be suffering even more than you. For example, you may think of people who have recently been through a natural disaster while you and your family are safe and sound, or someone who is having a difficult time finding a job when you have one that is relatively secure.
Some sensitive people find this way of using the skill difficult, as they then begin to feel guilt and sorrow for the less fortunate. It is okay to experience that briefly, but the goal is to realize how good you have it compared with how things could be.
Some sensitive people find this way of using the skill difficult, as they then begin to feel guilt and sorrow for the less fortunate. It is okay to experience that briefly, but the goal is to realize how good you have it compared with how things could be.