How Our Mood Shapes Our Perception

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a simple message from a friend felt like a personal attack? A group chat misunderstanding that blew up way bigger than it needed to. Sometimes, a single message can spark a disagreement, leaving us feeling attacked and defensive. But what if the problem wasn't the message itself, but rather our own emotional state at the time?

This happened to me once in a group chat with friends. I was exhausted from work, and when I read a friend's message, I interpreted it as a direct insult. Despite her reassurance that the message was for everyone, I was convinced she was targeting me. The next day, after some rest, I revisited the conversation and realized she wasn’t attacking me at all. Her words were simply an insight meant for the group. See, it's the same message but I got two different meaning of it because of my mood. This experience taught me that our mood can significantly alter how we perceive messages.

When we’re stressed or tired, our minds can twist neutral or positive statements into negative ones. Here are some ways to manage such situations:

The Power of Perception

Let's face it, when we're tired or stressed, the world can seem a lot more hostile. A simple comment from a friend can morph into a personal jab, and a helpful suggestion can feel like a criticism. It's like wearing emotional sunglasses – everything takes on a negative tint.

Creative Mindfulness to the Rescue

This is where creative mindfulness comes in. It's not just about sitting still and meditating (although that's great too!). Creative mindfulness is about using creative activities to connect with your inner world and gain a clearer perspective. 

Reflecting on my own experience, here are some tips:

1. Take a Step Back: If you feel upset by a message, take a moment to breathe and relax before responding. Give yourself time to cool down.

2. Writing for emotional balance: Use a better than therapy journal or self exploration journals to write down your feelings. Start with guided journal entries. It can help you process and understand your emotions better. Example: Think about a recent emotional outburst or strong reaction. Write about what triggered it, how you felt in the moment, and how journaling about it afterward helped you gain perspective.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote creative mindfulness, like drawing or writing. This can help you stay grounded.

4. Explore New Ideas: Spend 10 minutes to explore a new idea. This can be a refreshing break and shift your mood positively.

5. Meditate: Regular meditation can help you stay calm and balanced, making it easier to handle stressful situations.

Related: Emotional and Physical Benefits of Meditation

Taking Ownership:

After my journaling session, I realized I owed my friend a big apology. Sure, I texted in the group chat to clarify things, but I also messaged her privately to take full responsibility for my misunderstanding. It wasn't her fault, and letting her know I understood that went a long way in repairing the situation.

Related: Journaling Your Emotions: How Can It Help Your Mental Health