Do you know that there are more than ten thousand species of birds around the globe, millions of insect species, tens of big cat species, and multiple species of different living organisms?
But there’s only one type of human living on Earth right now, and that’s us – homo sapiens.
This wasn’t always the case. Archeologists have found evidence and remains of other species of humans that lived hundreds of thousands of years ago but are now extinct.
These different human species that lived before us tell the story of how we evolved from apes to modern-day humans.
The word “homo sapiens” in Latin means “wise men.” Among many others, one of the key factors behind the survival of homo sapiens is the human brain which showed advanced cognitive abilities that enabled us to have complex problem-solving skills, language use, and symbolic thinking.
Due to these cognitive traits, we were able to develop more sophisticated tools, social structures, and cultural practices that gave us a competitive advantage in various environments.
So it is our brain that separates us from our close relatives who lived in the past and from all the other living beings around us today.
But we still don’t know everything about it, and we only use a tiny portion of its full potential. It holds all our memories and emotions and it is the reason we feel happy or sad.
What happens outside our body and around us are just triggers, but the actual feelings and experiences happen inside our body.
Certain moments and experiences make us feel ecstatic and blissful while others make us sad and depressed. And that’s totally fine, that’s what makes us humans.
We all have days when we feel like we’re on top of the world, and we also have days when we feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders.
We don’t feel like doing anything. And it is during such times that we try to understand our feelings and emotions better.
In this blog, we will talk about why we feel like this on some days and discuss some effective ways to overcome sadness. Come along as we explore the ups and downs of our emotions and find simple ways to feel better when we’re a bit sad.
Table of Contents
Why Do I Feel Sad Sometimes?
Before we dive into ways to overcome sadness, let’s first talk about why you feel like this in the first place. Almost everything in the world has an opposite side, if there’s light then there’s dark, if there’s sweet then there’s bitter.
Similarly, if there’s happiness then there’s sadness too. And it’s a very normal and basic human emotion.
In the grand scheme of things, the flow of emotions is as natural as the changing tides. Different emotions and feelings are like different colors in a painting. Every emotion and feeling is a part of the masterpiece that makes our lives colorful.
And sadness is not a problem to solve, it’s more like a rainy day in a week of sunny ones. It has its job in our emotions. Imagine if every day were sunny, would you appreciate the warmth as much? Probably not.
In the same way, feeling sad sometimes makes our happy moments even more special. It becomes a problem only when we continue to feel this way.
As we talk about why our moods change, let’s remember that feeling low doesn’t mean anything is wrong with us. It’s just a normal part of this wild ride called life. And each feeling, whether big or small, adds its flavor to the story of our life.
Our moods can be influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external factors. Let’s take a look at each of them one by one.
The Role of External Factors on Our Emotions
Our surroundings have a profound influence on our mental state and well-being. What happens around us can greatly impact how we feel.
For example, the peace and calmness while walking in nature will make you happy and relaxed while walking in the hustle and bustle of a busy city street will irritate you.
Life Events
So, what happens around us directly impacts our mood and these external factors could include significant life events.
The loss of a loved one is one such example that can trigger a range of emotions, from profound sadness and grief to confusion and even anger.
Such events are beyond anyone’s control and every living being has to deal with such events in their life. After all, that’s the nature of life.
Similarly, a break-up in a romantic relationship is another external factor that can send ripples through our emotional world. The end of an intimate connection often brings forth emotions of heartbreak and disappointment.
Social Circles
External factors extend beyond life events and can indeed include the people we interact with. The company we keep, whether at school or work, plays a significant role in influencing our emotional well-being.
The presence of negative or toxic individuals in our social circles can be a considerable source of distress. Imagine being surrounded by people who constantly criticize, belittle, or undermine you.
Such interactions are undeniably emotionally draining. Having a negative company can become a potent trigger for feelings of sadness and frustration.
In a school, instances of bullying or being consistently surrounded by unsupportive peers can lead to a sense of isolation and sadness.
Similarly, in a workplace where everyone is so competitive or if there’s a toxic work environment, it can also lead to feelings of stress and unhappiness.
Another such factor is the influence of social expectations. The pressure to conform to certain standards or meet specific expectations, whether it is related to appearance, success, or achievements can lead to feelings of inadequacy and sadness.
Social media is an excellent example where we see the perfectly curated lives of others that create a distorted sense of reality and trigger feelings of comparison and dissatisfaction.
The Role of Internal Factors on Our Emotions
Just as external factors shape our emotions, internal factors also have a considerable influence on our emotional well-being. Our thoughts and perspectives significantly contribute to how we feel.
The Connection Between Thoughts and Emotions
What we think about ourselves and tell ourselves has a big impact on our feelings. If we do positive self-talk where we encourage ourselves to stay hopeful during challenging times, then we’re building the foundation for good feelings.
But if we constantly fill ourselves with doubt, then it creates a space for sadness and feeling not good enough.
How we perceive ourselves also shapes our emotional responses to various situations. A healthy sense of self-esteem allows us to have self-compassion and resilience in the face of challenges whereas negative self-perception or low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and sadness.
Understanding the Power of Perspective
The lens through which we view the outside world also plays a crucial role in governing our emotional responses and well-being.
If you have a growth mindset, then you’ll see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, and setbacks as temporary and surmountable. This type of mindset will create a more positive experience.
If you have a fixed mindset where you believe that your abilities are static and the challenges coming your way are insurmountable, then you’ll experience feelings of helplessness and frustration in the face of difficulties.
This type of mindset will lead to a negative experience and will create an environment of sadness.
Personal Values and Beliefs
All of us have personal values and beliefs that we abide by and they contribute to our sense of purpose and fulfillment and influence our emotional responses.
If you live by those values, you’ll feel a sense of purpose and contentment that will positively impact your emotional state and make you happy.
On the other hand, if what you’re doing in life doesn’t align with your purpose and personal values, then it will lead to inner conflict and a sense of dissatisfaction. It will make you question your purpose in life and feel sad about the kind of life you’re living right now.
So, our inner world comprises our thoughts, perspectives, how we cope with different situations, what we think of ourselves, our values, and how we manage our feelings.
We experience sadness when something goes wrong or is off with any of these aspects.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Before we talk about the ways to overcome feelings of sadness, the first and foremost step in finding a solution is understanding and acknowledging the problem.
So it’s important that you first acknowledge that feeling high or low is a normal part of our lives and there is nothing wrong with it.
Accepting and embracing these ups and downs is an important part of understanding human experience. It’s crucial to recognize that feelings of sadness, much like joy, are a natural part of our emotional experience.
In the grand narrative of being human, acknowledging the ups and downs of emotions is like accepting the changing seasons. Our emotional experiences are very deep and diverse and each emotion, be it happiness or sadness, adds a different color to our lives.
Sadness has its unique place in the emotional spectrum. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure, but rather an expression of our humanity.
We all experience sadness at different points in our lives. It’s a reminder that vulnerability is not a flaw but a shared aspect of being human.
However, although sadness is a normal part of our lives, it’s important to realize that prolonged and intense feelings of sadness can take a serious toll on our mental well-being and can be a barrier to leading a fulfilling life.
So, unless it’s some life event like the loss of a loved one where you need to allow yourself the space to grieve and heal, it’s important to take proactive steps to overcome the feelings of sadness.
6 Effective Ways To Overcome the Feelings of Sadness
Cry it Out
Sometimes, crying is the simplest and most profound remedy to overcome the weight of sadness. Although crying is often considered a visible manifestation of sadness, it is a deeply human and cathartic act.
From the moment we enter the world, crying is our first communication, our first expression of being alive. It’s a release, an unburdening of emotions that allows us to let go and make space for healing. Just as rain cleanses the earth, tears have the power to cleanse the soul.
Allow yourself to cry because it is a gesture of self-compassion. It is a recognition that emotions, even the ones that bring tears, are not to be suppressed but acknowledged and embraced.
In those teardrops, there is a surrender to the authenticity of our feelings. It’s a courageous act that honors the truth of the moment, validating the significance of our emotional experiences.
Crying is a form of emotional release that will lead to a sense of relief and renewal. When you cry, your body releases endorphins which are one of the “feel-good” hormones.
So the next time you feel sad, cry it out. You’ll feel a little better and more relaxed.
Find a Hook
When we’re sad, we generally feel like this moment is everything – like it’s the biggest thing in our lives. But life is huge, and these moments of sadness are just tiny fragments of our time here on Earth.
They come, they go, and then something else shows up. It’s like a constant ebb and flow of happiness and sadness.
So, to tackle this overwhelming feeling, you’ll have to zoom out and see the bigger picture. Life is a massive canvas and these sad moments are just little dots on it.
They matter, but they aren’t the whole picture. It can be tough to see this when you’re wrapped by sadness which is why finding a hook is very important.
A hook is like an anchor for your thoughts. It’s something big and meaningful that you’re passionate about. For us, it’s this blogging website.
We pour our hearts into it, dreaming of a day when it can free us from the 9-5 grind, giving us more time for what truly matters – our health, our family, and our passions.
So when things start getting a little low, we shift our focus to this blog, thinking about its growth and the positive impact it could have.
You, too, can find your hook. It could be starting a new business, transforming your body, family planning, or diving into your creative side, be it music or singing. Whatever it is, make it something larger than the day-to-day struggles.
This hook becomes a constant reminder that these tough moments are temporary. They’ll pass, making way for brighter days.
Instead of investing too much time and energy in sadness, shift your focus to something that fuels your growth and helps you become the best version of yourself.
Physical Activity
Working out or doing any form of physical activity is a simple yet powerful antidote and doing some form of physical activity is a must for each one of us.
Physical activity or working out is not just about building muscles or shedding calories, it’s a way of releasing stress.
Your body releases feel-good hormones like endorphins when you work out which are the body’s natural mood enhancers. They flood your system during and after a good workout and create a sense of euphoria and well-being.
You’ll feel a sense of positivity that will wash away the negativity that accompanies sadness and you’ll find yourself not just physically lighter but emotionally lifted too.
And it’s not like it’s a one-size-fits-all thing, you can choose whatever physical activity you want to do. Whether you prefer a brisk walk in the park, a good run, a dance session in your living room, or lifting weights in the gym, everything counts.
So find something that you enjoy, something that gets your heart pumping and makes you forget about the clouds of sadness hovering over you, even if it’s momentarily.
Good Music
Good music is a healer in itself and it is a very powerful ally in fighting the battle against the blues. It works like magic because it has the ability to tap into our emotions and resonate with the very core of our being. It’s like a language that speaks to our souls.
When you’re feeling a little low, a playlist filled with good and uplifting songs can remove the negative feelings and emotions and bring positivity. It can change the entire atmosphere and make you feel good.
You can listen to your favorite tracks while working out which will make your entire experience more enjoyable and uplifting.
So create a playlist that resonates with your emotions, that uplifts and soothes your mood. Make it a habit to listen to good music every day. It can be for a few minutes only but it can be a game-changer in fighting sadness and negativity.
Nature
We sometimes forget that we, at our core, are connected to nature. We come from the same Earth, and, in the grand dance of existence, we’ll return to it one day.
And amid the chaos we live in, it’s not just a luxury but a necessity for our well-being to spend some time in nature every day.
Being in nature is a healing in itself. Whatever nature is easily accessible to you, whether it’s a forest, a river flowing near your home, or a small garden on your balcony, try to spend some time there every day.
It will have a very positive impact on your emotional state.
It will remind you of your roots, recalibrate your senses, and act as a therapeutic escape from the demands of daily life. The healing power of nature lies in its simplicity.
The gentle rustle of leaves, the soothing flow of water, and the vibrant colors of flowers will contribute to a sensory symphony that will ease the tension in your mind. It’s like a reset button that will ground you in the present moment and wash away the accumulated stress.
It’s not about the grandeur of the landscape but just about being in the natural world. Even a stroll in a nearby park or a few minutes sitting by a tree can work wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.
So the next time you feel sad, take a walk in the park, feel the earth beneath your feet, or simply sit and observe the world around you. You’ll disconnect from the sadness you’re feeling inside you and find a connection to something much larger.
You’ll realize that just like the trees and rivers, we too are an integral part of this beautiful world and the sadness and negativity you’re feeling is just a tiny fraction of your time here. It’s not that big a deal.
Self-Care
Sometimes, we forget the most important relationship we have – with ourselves. One of the most effective ways to overcome sadness is by embracing the practice of self-care.
In today’s world, it has become a necessity to tend to our emotional wounds and nurture our inner selves.
When you practice self-care, you’re essentially saying that “I Matter”. Self-care is a simple yet powerful act of self-love. It’s about recognizing your needs and meeting them with kindness.
Self-care is a very broad and diverse area that can include various things depending on individual preferences. It could be something as simple as taking a warm bath, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, or reading a good book.
The thing about self-care is that it should include doing something that brings a sense of peace and joy, no matter how small or big.
Physical, mental, and emotional self-care are all intertwined with emotional well-being. When you do activities that benefit your physical, mental, and emotional side, you’re essentially improving your emotional well-being.
You’re cultivating a positive relationship with the person you spend every moment with – yourself.
So self-care is an act of nurturing yourself and showing kindness towards yourself and in turn giving yourself the strength to navigate the ups and downs of life.
Wrapping Up!
We started this blog by briefly talking about the incredible journey of our existence on this planet and how we are different from other living species.
We talked about how our brain helps us experience a wide spectrum of emotions that only we humans are capable of experiencing to such an extent. And we tried to answer the age-old question – Why do we sometimes feel sad?
As we wrap up this blog, I want you to understand that feeling sad is not a flaw but a facet of our humanity. It’s a part of the different emotions that we are capable of experiencing.
So the first step is to acknowledge that it is completely normal and it happens with everyone. But how we deal with it is a personal choice.
I hope the 6 different ways we discussed to overcome sadness will prove helpful for you. Namaste!
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