We’ve all been there – a rough day at work, an argument with a friend, or a setback that just leaves us seething with frustration. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions, allowing them to dominate our thoughts and mood. But what if I told you that there’s a simple psychological trick that can help you regain control over your emotions and maintain your peace of mind? I call it the “Give it ’til Midnight” approach.
Picture this: you’re sitting on your couch after a long day, replaying that annoying interaction or unfortunate incident in your head. Your blood pressure rises, your jaw clenches, and you can practically feel the tension in your shoulders. It’s tempting to dive headfirst into the sea of negative emotions, but here’s where the magic of “Give it ’til Midnight” comes into play.
Imagine that you’re tucking those feelings away in a mental box and setting it aside, not to be opened until the clock strikes midnight. By doing this, you’re granting yourself the permission to feel the emotions – anger, frustration, disappointment – but with a caveat. You’re saying, “I’ll give you your time, but not right now.”
As the hours tick away and midnight approaches, something interesting starts to happen. You begin to distance yourself from those emotions. What seemed like a colossal problem in the heat of the moment starts to shrink in significance. The act of postponing your reaction allows your mind to gain perspective. You might find yourself thinking, “Is this really worth ruining my entire evening over?”
Now, let’s talk psychology. Emotions, as intense as they may be, have a shelf life. They surge and peak but gradually lose their strength over time. This is where “Give it ’til Midnight” gets particularly clever. By postponing your emotional response, you’re actually allowing the intensity of those feelings to wane. You’re taking a proactive step to avoid spiraling into rumination and prolonging your negative mood.
As the clock strikes midnight, it’s decision time. Do you want to reopen that mental box and dive back into those emotions, or do you want to take a deep breath, acknowledge that the past is behind you, and move forward? The beauty of this approach is that it puts the power back in your hands. You’re choosing when and how to deal with your emotions, rather than letting them dictate your entire day.
“Give it ’til Midnight” isn’t about suppressing or denying your feelings – it’s about managing them in a way that’s healthy and empowering. It’s about recognizing that emotions are transient, and you have the ability to steer your emotional ship. So, the next time frustration comes knocking, give it ’til midnight. You might be surprised at how much lighter you feel by morning.