>> Why We Have This Emotion
Sadness pushes us to conserve energy, reduce risk taking, and reassess after a loss or failure. It helps us focus our attention on the problem and learn from costly outcomes.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Let yourself cry without judgment
- Seek help from a caring contact
- Take a walk, get some light exercise
- Keep to a simple routine
- Play music that softens the mood
- Reduce nonessential tasks
- Notice moments of okayness
Bad Ideas
- Isolate yourself to hide your sadness
- Critique yourself for feeling sad
- Rush back into your full schedule
- Force yourself to be positive
- Pretend nothing ever happened
- Compare your reactions with others’
- Interpret sadness as being “broken”