⏰ I'm over everything

Plus managing anxiety and friendship breakups.

View this email in your browser WEEKLY WIND DOWN 💪 Try this: When you're down on yourself for a mistake you made, see if you can own up to whatever happened, apologize to anyone who might need an apology, and practice some self-compassion. All of this will help you let go of the shame you're harboring instead of beating yourself up nonstop. Think on this: When you're struggling, how often do you let others know? And how often do you ask for help? Remember this: Relationships require mutual respect. Read this: 12 People Who've Been Cheated on Share How They Coped ICYMI 👀 25 little ways to have a better relationship with your phone The long weekend is a great time to hurkle durkle 11 guys share what they learned after going to therapy Press play for a good cry over your ex-best friend Here's how to feel better fast after oversharing HIGHLY RECOMMEND ✨ "If you're looking for a game that turns strangers into friends and friends into family, Human to Human is it! Imagine a game where every card leads to laughter, deep connections, and those 'aha moments.' It's like a magic recipe for instant camaraderie and unforgettable memories. I can't recommend it enough—it's the ultimate icebreaker and heartwarmer all in one!"  —Jordan Fink, Director of Social Media THERAPY HACK 💡 Manage anxiety with a worry circle. If you're struggling with anxious thoughts about something like a dreaded (but exciting!) job interview, a worry circle can help you put the situation in perspective, therapist Yuki Shida, LMFT, previously told Wondermind. Draw a circle and write down every stressy thing you can control about this situation inside of it. Outside of the circle, jot down what you have zero power over. So, for an interview, things like picking an outfit that makes you feel awesome, practicing your answers, and researching the company would go inside your circle. External factors like how the other candidates do, what the interviewer asks you, and whether they like you would stay outside of it. "By breaking down different elements of a stressful situation to test whether or not they're under your control, you're taking things off of your plate that never belonged there," says Shida. Try it: The next time you're filled to the brim with anxiety, draw a circle and sift through what's really your responsibility. Take a good look at everything outside of your control, remind yourself that you can't influence those outcomes, and let them go. Were you forwarded this email? Click here to subscribe for free. ASKING FOR A FRIEND 📞 How to Get Happy If You Currently Kinda Hate Everything By Lauren Del Turco When you're feeling lost or frustrated or stuck (or all of the above), it can be hard to find joy in life. Sometimes life sucks and that's just where you're at—whether your job is going nowhere, your dating life is laughable, or you're reeling from setback after setback. When this happens, it can feel like there's no possible way to get happy again.  First of all, that scenario is totally normal. Garbage, but normal. In fact, our brains are pretty much wired to latch onto negative information, according to positive psychiatrist Samantha Boardman, MD. At some point, this may have been helpful to our ancestors, who needed to be on edge about lions or extra concerned about fitting in to avoid banishment from their clan—but it's definitely less than ideal when you're just trying to get through the day without hating where you are in life. And, second, the currently awful state of affairs in your life likely isn't going to be your forever reality. It might be hard to believe right now, but you can baby-step your way out of the "I hate everything" hole and even feel good (gasp) about your current circumstances and where you're headed. Here's how. 1. Drop the pressure to be happy all the time. Let's clear something up right now: No one feels constantly amazing, and we're actually not meant to. "Culturally, we've developed this sense that if we're not happy or stress-free all the time, there's something wrong with us," Dr. Boardman says. Like we said, it's natural to feel sad, angry, worried, down, or like life sucks in general. The issue isn't the fact that we feel these emotions but how we perceive them, says psychologist Jessica B. Stern, PhD, who specializes in helping people live according to their values. If you see any negative emotions as a sign of personal failure, you could feel ashamed on top of everything else. So pressuring yourself to be happy all the time actually makes you feel so much worse, she explains.  By giving emotions that aren't pure bliss a seat at the table instead of avoiding them, you'll likely feel a lot less worn down. Repeat after us: It is OK to feel shitty. Keep reading for 5 more tips on finding joy again when it feels impossible.   READ MORE ON THAT NOTE Here's What Depression Actually Is (and Isn't) How to Actually Be a Happier Person READ MORE READ MORE Here's What Depression Actually Is (and Isn't) READ MORE How to Actually Be a Happier Person READ MORE 🎧 What we're listening to: Dancing in denial that summer's almost over. NEED HELP NOW? These resources can help. SAMHSA National Helpline Suicide Prevention Lifeline The Trevor Project Trans Lifeline Advertise With Us PR Inquiries Want to unsubscribe? Click here to take a break.   Copyright © 2022 Wondermind. All rights reserved.   228 Park Avenue South, Suite 26327, New York, NY 10003   All products featured on Wondermind are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.   DISCLAIMER: THIS NEWSLETTER DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only. This newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.