Trash Day
Managing Mental Health on a Bad Day
Today I documented my infamous “Trash Day Run.” A trash day run is literally a run outside on trash day. As I ran down the street, I passed loads and loads of garbage. Some of the trash cans are full, some are not. A couple are overflowing. Some of them stink, many of them don’t; trash cans do a really good job of insulating whatever it contains.
I find trash days to be symbolic in representing bad days.
Trash = Bad Days
It's difficult to define what constitutes a "bad day" since everyone's experiences and perceptions are different. However, it's safe to say that everyone has some days where things don't go as planned or they feel down or stressed.
Research suggests that the average person experiences negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, or frustration, about 20% of the time. That means that, on average, people may have a few "bad days" every month.
The research in the 2010 Journal Science, titled "A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind," was conducted by psychologists Matthew Killingsworth and Daniel Gilbert involved more than 2,000 adults who used an iPhone app to report their thoughts and feelings at random times throughout the day.
The researchers found that people's mind wandered about 47% of the time and that they reported feeling less happy when their minds were wandering than when they were focused on the present moment. They also found that negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, and frustration, were more likely to occur when people's minds were wandering.
Based on their analysis, Killingsworth and Gilbert estimated that people experience negative emotions about 20% of the time, regardless of what they're doing or who they're with. This suggests that negative emotions are a relatively common part of human experience, and that they can arise even when people are not actively engaged in tasks or social interactions. However, it's important to note that this study focused on a specific type of negative emotion (i.e., those arising from mind-wandering) and that other factors, such as life events and individual differences, can also influence how often people experience negative emotions.
However, it's important to note that this is just an average and that some people may experience more or fewer negative emotions than others. Additionally, external factors such as life events, stressors, and mental health can also play a role in how often someone has "bad days."
How are people hiding their trash?
People may try to hide their bad day in various ways depending on their personality, situation, and the severity of their negative emotions. Here are a few common strategies that people may use to conceal their negative emotions.
Putting on a brave face: Some people may try to act as though everything is fine even when they're having a bad day. They might smile, laugh, or engage in small talk to avoid drawing attention to their negative emotions.
Avoiding social interaction: Others may try to hide their bad day by avoiding social situations altogether. They might cancel plans with friends or avoid conversations with coworkers to keep their negative emotions to themselves.
Finding a private space: Some people may prefer to find a private space where they can be alone with their thoughts and emotions. They might go for a walk, retreat to a quiet room, or spend time in nature to find solace.
Distracting themselves: Others may try to distract themselves from their negative emotions by engaging in activities that make them feel good, such as listening to music, watching a movie, or exercising.
It's important to note that while these strategies may help people hide bad days in the short-term, they may not be effective long-term solutions. It's essential to address and acknowledge negative emotions, seek support from others if necessary, and take steps to improve one's mental and emotional well-being.
Hiding your trash could lead to a smelly can.
Hiding negative emotions can be a coping mechanism for some people, and it may be useful in certain situations. For example, if you're in a professional setting or social gathering, it may not be appropriate to express negative emotions openly. In such cases, putting on a brave face or finding a private space to process your emotions may be beneficial.
However, consistently hiding negative emotions can have negative consequences. When others aren't aware of your negative emotions, they may misunderstand your behavior or perceive you as unapproachable or uninterested. This can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships, both in personal and professional settings.
Additionally, hiding negative emotions can lead to a buildup of stress and tension, which can have negative impacts on your mental and physical health. Suppressing emotions can also lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, which can exacerbate negative feelings.
Find a healthy balance.
In short, it's okay to hide negative emotions in some situations, but it's essential to find healthy ways to process and address them. Sharing your feelings with trusted friends, family members, counselor or a therapist can help you better understand and manage your emotions, leading to better overall well-being.