How I Learned to Avoid Bad Feelings and Take Back Control of My Mind

There was a time in my life when I felt like a prisoner in my own mind. Small things would hurt me deeply. A single comment, a bad grade, or even a missed message could ruin my entire day. I used to lie in bed and overthink everything—wondering why I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or liked enough. The bad feelings would pile up like a storm, and I had no umbrella to protect myself. But then something changed.

I didn’t suddenly wake up happy one day. It wasn’t magic. It was small, simple changes that slowly helped me take back control.

1. Understanding Where Bad Feelings Come From

First, I realized that bad feelings often don’t come from the world — they come from how we react to the world. I started noticing that my emotions were triggered by overthinking, fear of judgment, and comparing myself to others. Once I became aware of this, I could start to change it.

If someone didn’t reply to my message, it didn’t mean they hated me. If I made a mistake, it didn’t mean I was a failure. These were just thoughts — and not all thoughts are true.

2. Accept, Don’t Suppress

Most of us try to push away bad feelings. We scroll through social media, binge-watch shows, or pretend we’re okay. But that only makes things worse. I started doing something different: I accepted how I felt.

If I was sad, I told myself, “It’s okay to be sad today.” Giving yourself permission to feel is powerful. Once you stop fighting your emotions, they pass more easily.

3. Daily Mind Detox

I began a daily routine I now call my “mind detox.” Every morning, I write three things I’m grateful for and one thing I’m excited about. It sounds small, but bro — this changed everything. Instead of starting my day thinking about problems, I began it with positive energy.

At night, I do the same. I reflect on what went well, even if it was just “I stayed calm” or “I prayed on time.” This helped me end the day on a peaceful note.

4. Cut the Comparison Game

Social media is poison for the soul if you’re not careful. I unfollowed accounts that made me feel “less than.” I stopped watching people’s highlight reels and started focusing on my own progress.

Your journey is different. Your timing is different. I remind myself: “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”

5. Physical Actions, Mental Peace

I noticed that when I skipped the gym or didn’t move much, I felt worse. So I made it a point to go for a walk, stretch, or hit the gym — even if I wasn’t in the mood. Moving your body helps your mind. Trust me on this.

Also, regular prayer and silence helped me connect with something bigger than my worries. That spiritual connection became my anchor.

6. Talk It Out

One of the best things I did? I talked to someone. Not on Instagram, not on Twitter — a real conversation with a real person. Sometimes, just saying “I’m not okay” to a friend can lift 50% of the weight from your chest.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding bad feelings doesn’t mean pretending to be happy all the time. It means learning how to face those feelings, understand them, and gently guide your mind toward peace. It’s a daily practice. Some days will still be hard — but you’ll be stronger.

To anyone reading this: You’re not alone. Your mind is your home. Keep it clean, peaceful, and full of hope.