What to do when you have so many regrets?
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What to do when you have so many regrets?
Consider these steps to stop looking back and start being present to your present, and working on your future:
- Own it. Yes, whatever it is that happened, happened.
- Learn from it.
- Write out what you would like.
- Become entranced by today.
- Make a plan for something you can do that might help to cancel out what you regret.
Why do I have a lot of regret?
Studies have found that a high level of regret is related to depression, anxiety and worse sleep and problem-solving. Most people feel a pang of regretted action (I wish I hadn’t done that!) quickly and intensely, but regret over inaction (I should have done that) lingers longer.
How do you stop regretting your past?
Stop tormenting yourself by churning over the painful event. Choose to forget it. Make a conscious choice to let go of regret and shame. See the positive side of the trauma or mistake. What good has come out of it?
What is excessive regret and how to avoid it?
Excessive regret is often linked to not being OK about making mistakes. So the solution to not experiencing regret is to not be perfect. It’s OK to make mistakes simply because it is impossible for humans not to make mistakes and experience some regret.
How can I identify my feelings of regret?
Identify your feelings of regret. These may be different from person to person, but feelings of regret include: sadness, loss, remorse, anger, shame, and anxiety. Identify these feelings related to regret. For example, you may have the thought of a past deed and then you think about this event for the majority of the day.
How can CBT help me overcome regret?
Instead, you’ll focus on emotionally healing any harmful, unproductive thoughts you have. CBT works to reduce and replace your feelings of regret and anxiety, instead of simply telling yourself to stop thinking about the past. [3] This helps you to deal with the regret in a better way.