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Published -
- March 4, 2020
- 6:41 pm
Frederik Imbo studied theatre at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and has acted in lots of television series.
He founded Imborling and now has over 15 years’ experience in stimulating and supporting people. With the aim of improving their communication skills Frederik gives presentations, workshops, training courses and personal coaching sessions to anyone prepared to make their two ears available. Frederik Imbo studied theatre at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and has acted in lots of television series.
How does taking things personally impact our mental health and relationships?
How Not to Take Things Personally
Taking things personally is a common human tendency. We feel hurt or upset when someone criticizes our actions or behavior or when someone opposes our beliefs or opinions. However, taking things personally can lead to negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and even depression. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to avoid taking things personally.
Recognize your triggers
The first step is to identify what triggers you. It could be a specific person, particular situations, or certain words or actions. Once you know your triggers, you can be mindful of them and avoid reacting impulsively. For example, if someone criticizes your work, don’t immediately react defensively or assume that they are attacking you personally. Instead, take a step back, and try to understand their perspective.
Separate facts from interpretations
Often, we interpret other people’s behaviors and actions according to our own beliefs and assumptions. However, this can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Therefore, it is essential to separate facts from interpretations. For example, if someone cancels a meeting with you, don’t assume that they don’t value your time or don’t respect you. There could be other reasons, such as an emergency or conflicting priorities.
Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion is about being kind and understanding towards yourself. By practicing self-compassion, you can reduce your sensitivity to criticism or rejection. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and it is okay to have flaws and imperfections. Instead of beating yourself up over your mistakes, try to learn from them and move on.
Use healthy coping mechanisms
When you feel upset or hurt, it is essential to use healthy coping mechanisms. Some effective coping mechanisms include journaling, talking to a trusted friend, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in physical activity. Avoid using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs, which can lead to dependence and further damage your mental health.
In conclusion, taking things personally can be detrimental to our mental health and relationships. Learning how to avoid taking things personally requires self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy coping mechanisms. By recognizing your triggers, separating facts from interpretations, practicing self-compassion, and using healthy coping mechanisms, you can develop a more resilient mindset and have more positive interactions with others.
