What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
Let’s be honest — dealing with negative thoughts is rough. It’s like your brain decides to put on a full-blown soap opera at the worst possible moment. And if you’re anything like me — a professional-level worrier — it doesn’t take much to set things off. I’ve stressed over everything from major life decisions to whether I locked the front door. Honestly, worrying feels like a full-time job sometimes.
And let’s not forget the added stress of being gluten-free. Wondering if the “gluten-free” label is actually safe? Stressing over whether the server really understood you when you said “I really can’t have gluten”? Yeah, that kind of overthinking can wear you down fast.
But over the years, I’ve found a few things that help me manage those spiralling thoughts. I’m not saying they’ll magically fix everything, but they make life feel a bit less overwhelming. So if you’re struggling with negative thoughts, maybe some of these will help:
Talking It Out
My wife is my go-to when I’m overthinking (which is… most of the time). Just saying things out loud helps me stop them from building up in my head. Sometimes she gives me advice, sometimes she just listens — either way, it helps me feel like I’m not carrying it all alone. If you’ve got someone you trust, opening up to them can make a massive difference.
And yes, she’s been there when I’ve spiralled about gluten too — like that time I panicked after realising I might have used the wrong soy sauce. Spoiler: It was gluten-free. Still, she talked me down.
Cooking (AKA Pasta Therapy)
There’s something oddly calming about cooking — especially when it’s pasta. Chopping, stirring, tasting — it’s like a reset button for my brain. And let’s be real, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of gluten-free pasta at the end of a stressful day. Simple carbs, simple happiness.
Cooking gluten-free isn’t always easy though — sometimes the pasta sticks together, or the bread crumbles into dust. But when it works? Feels like a win.
Gaming for a Mental Reset
Sometimes the best way to stop overthinking is to escape into a game. Whether I’m building a new world or smashing virtual enemies, it gives my brain a break from reality. It’s not about avoiding problems — it’s more like hitting pause so I can face them later with a clearer head.
And honestly, after a bad gluten-free meal, loading up a game and taking down some virtual enemies is a pretty solid way to handle the frustration.
Writing It Down
Getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper (or a screen) helps so much. When thoughts are swirling around in my brain, they feel massive. Writing them down makes them seem smaller — like I’ve taken them from ‘chaotic mess’ to something I can actually handle.
It’s the same with gluten-free stress. Writing down a list of safe foods or good restaurants makes it feel a lot more manageable.
Hanging Out with My Son
My son has this amazing ability to make me forget about whatever’s stressing me out. A cuddle, a silly game, or just hearing him laugh is enough to shift my whole mood. It’s a reminder that not everything needs to be overthought — sometimes you just need to be present.
Accepting That Worrying is Just Part of Who I Am
I’m a natural-born worrier — it’s just how I’m wired. I’ve come to accept that. But instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to manage it. These little strategies don’t stop me from worrying completely, but they help me keep it in check so it doesn’t spiral out of control.
And yes, I’ll probably always stress about cross-contamination and whether a restaurant really knows what gluten-free means. But at least now I know how to calm down when those thoughts start getting too loud.
What Works for You?
If you struggle with negative thoughts, you’re not alone. We all have those days (some of us more than others). The trick is finding what helps you calm down and reset. Whether it’s talking to someone, cooking, writing, or just taking a moment to breathe — it’s about figuring out what works for you.
Got any go-to strategies for dealing with negative thoughts? Or any tips for handling gluten-free stress? Drop them in the comments — let’s swap some tips and make life a little easier for all of us.
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