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How to Deal with Excessive Guilt: Effective Ways
17.09.2024 08:10
Updated: 27.09.2024 21:06
Guilt plays an important role in our lives, helping us to adhere to values and comply with social norms.
However, if it becomes excessive, it begins to negatively affect our existence.
These recommendations will help you get rid of unnecessary self-blame and improve your quality of life.
How to overcome guilt
Although the techniques described below seem simple, you will still need time and effort to make them work, so be patient and do not rush to judge yourself if something does not work the first time.
Find evidence of innocence
Feeling guilty towards your loved ones? Remember and write down all the good things you do for them on a regular basis. These may be small actions like a cup of coffee in the morning, but they are also important because you spend your energy on them.
Keep this list handy and look at it from time to time when you feel a new pang of guilt.
Talk to the source of guilt
Ask people you may have offended about their feelings. It is possible that their complaints are just a figment of your mind.
Otherwise, use critical thinking. Consider how someone else would evaluate this situation. Maybe you really don’t pay enough attention to your loved ones, or they make too high demands on you?
In the first case, you will need to find a compromise, and in the second, you will need to accept the idea that the accusations are groundless.
Appreciate yourself and what you do
Make a rule: at the end of the day, write down at least three of your achievements for the day, and at the end of the week, read these lists.
Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and guilt force you to focus on what you did wrong. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and you'll see this bad habit go away.
