Neither of the teams playing in this Sunday’s game are area favorites, but in a big game it’s hard not to choose a favorite.
Some will be rooting for the underdog, while others want to see Tom Brady ascend to greatness.
If the team you’re cheering on loses, it could deeply impact your day the following Monday.
How can we deal when negative things happen that are out of our control?
Gail Rizzo, Ed. D., LPCC-s, CADC, a child and family counselor with St. Elizabeth, explains that we must practice mindfulness-based practices.
“Deep breathing helps us slow ourselves down,” she says. “Being present in the moment and non-judgmentally examining our feelings [may help].”
Rizzo also recommends asking yourself the following questions:
- Do I have any control over this?
- Is what I’m saying or thinking helpful to myself or others?
- Is what I’m saying or thinking accurate?
- Is what I’m saying or thinking useful?
- What are my choices in this?
- How can I make this an emotionally healthy moment for myself?
If you want to make sure the game’s outcome does not ruin your day, or bring negative moments to work or home, pursue positives and let your psyche dwell on those. Ask yourself these questions:
- What has gone well?
- What is going well?
- What is calming?
- What is helpful?
“Not only can we grow with these practices, we can be much more pleasant to be around,” said Rizzo.
Worried you might be the office jerk (especially after big sporting events)? Check out Berkeley’s latest research on how to handle it.
