“Holding on is believing that there's only a past; letting go is knowing that there's a future.” - Daphne Rose Kingma

How To Stop Letting Things Bother You (5 Practical Tips)

In the grand scheme of things, life is an incredible journey filled with both great and not-so-great moments. We all experience those days when it feels like the universe has decided to throw every little annoyance our way. From the minor mishaps to the unexpected setbacks, it can be tough to navigate through all of the small things that bother us. But here’s the good news: you have the power to learn how to stop letting things bother you!

As a certified life coach, I am very passionate about encouraging others about the importance of living a life that you truly love. A life that gets you so excited that you want to jump out of bed each morning and embrace the whole day ahead of you. 

A negative situation or a constant bad mood can really put a damper on your entire day and the long terms goals that you have set for yourself. But if you are able to learn how to stop letting things bother you, you will be able to use this additional energy to continue pursuing the life that you’ve always dreamed of. 

I am excited to share 5 mindfulness exercises that will allow you to release negative energy, let go of expectations, and find your path to a more positive and fulfilling life. It’s all about taking the first step towards a healthier emotional state and nurturing your mental health and physical health. These 5 practical tips will make a world of difference in your healing process when things are bothering you; helping you let go of anger, frustration, and stress.

Unfortunately, we’re not immune to the challenges of daily life, but we do have the ability to change our reactions and perspectives. The next time you find yourself having a hard time letting go of the little things or you find yourself thinking of everything as the worst-case scenario, take a deep breath, practice mindfulness and continue on your self improvement journey with these 5 practical tips on how to stop letting things bother you.

Are you ready to empower yourself to build a more positive mindset, make room for gratitude, and discover new perspectives on the ups and downs of life? Remember, you can start living your dream life if you take it one step at a time. And today’s first step is to learn how to stop letting things bother you!

Why do we let little things bother us so much?

Why do we let little things bother us so much? Maybe this is a question that you’ve never really asked yourself until now. Or perhaps it’s a question that often lingers in the back of your head in your daily life. 

We all know how precious time is, and yet when we make mistakes or someone does something that frustrates us, we are so quick to waste our time complaining and overanalyzing the situation. We allow the negative situation to absorb all our positive energy, which then has a substantial impact on our overall well-being. 

stressed out woman with a book on her face

On the other hand, when you put the hard work in and the good stuff happens in your life, it is so easy to pretend like it was nothing at all. 

It’s almost like we have our own reactions mixed up, isn’t it?

Whether you are a sensitive person or not, we are naturally wired to be sensitive to our surroundings and experiences. While this sensitivity has its benefits, it also means that we tend to react strongly to even the smallest of annoyances.

One reason we let little things get under our skin is that our brains are programmed to pay attention to potential threats. Often time, our brains treat small annoyances as if they were dangers, which makes us feel stressed. It’s as if our minds can’t differentiate between a life-threatening situation and a traffic jam on our morning commute. 

And the result? We end up wasting our precious mental and emotional energy on issues that, in the grand scheme of things, hold little significance. When we focus all of our energy on the negative things happening in our lives, we very rarely have any energy left for the positive.

Our sensitivity to small problems is shaped by society. When we live in a society that values being perfect and doing really well, we learn to think that any little mistake or not meeting high standards is a failure. This fear of messing up or not meeting expectations can make us overly sensitive about even the smallest things. 

The good news is that by understanding these factors and implementing practical techniques, you can regain control over your reactions. This will help you pave the way to a more positive and fulfilling life as you learn how to stop letting things bother you!

How to Stop Letting Things Bother You

Before we dive into these five practical tips, let’s explore the fundamental idea of how to stop letting things bother you. It all starts with understanding that we have the power to choose how we react to life’s little annoyances. 

It’s like having a magic wand that can transform a bad day into an opportunity for growth. It’s about recognizing that most of the time, these minor issues don’t deserve to take up so much space in our minds. By practicing mindfulness, embracing a positive mindset, and learning to let go of things beyond our control, you can take the first step toward living your dream life. 

Let’s discover the best ways to turn those bothersome moments into opportunities for self improvement and positive change.

#1. Resist the Urge To Complain

Let’s kickstart our journey toward a more positive and fulfilling life with our first tip, resisting the urge to complain. In my experience as a life coach, I have helped many people who complain a lot, complain a lot less. And while it might seem like a small thing, complaining can have a huge impact on your overall mindset and how you experience and perceive the world around you.

Have you ever noticed how complaining often feels like a never-ending loop? You start by venting about the first thing that’s bothering you, and before you know it, you’re caught in a whirlwind of negativity.

Complaining not only fuels your own negative emotions but will also affect those around you. It’s like a dark cloud that lingers over your day and those close to you, making it harder to see the silver linings. 

people bothered by complaints

The next time you’re tempted to complain about a traffic jam, a difficult coworker, or something insignificant, try to pause for a moment. Ask yourself if complaining will truly make the situation better or if it might just make you feel worse than you did in the first place. 

Instead of complaining, consider taking a deep breath and looking for at the situation through a different perspective. By resisting the urge to complain, you’ll be one step closer to embracing a brighter outlook on life’s ups and downs. Remember that a lot of the time you are causing yourself additional negativity over something small that you have little control over. 

By resisting the urge to complain, you will ultimately not engage in the negativity that is bothering you. Out of sight, out of mind!

#2. Practice Gratitude

Our second tip is to practice gratitude. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of small annoyances and forget about the best things that surround us.

Imagine this: You’re having a tough time, and it feels like a bad day from start to finish. It happens to the best of us. But here’s where practicing gratitude can work its magic. Instead of dwelling on the negative emotions and the long list of minor things that went wrong, take a deep breath and shift your focus.

Think about the good things that happened, even the little things, like a smile from a family member or a piece of good news you received. By using gratitude as a practical way to cope with negative feelings, you’re opening up the door to a healthier emotional state and improved mental health.

Consider starting an intentional gratitude practice to help learn how to stop letting things bother you. Each evening in my own personal journalling practice, I write down 5 things that I am grateful for that happened that day. I am always sure to write specific things that happened that day that I am grateful for. For example, today I was really grateful that I was able to have a hot chocolate and pancake breakfast with my daughters. 

Remember if you’re practicing gratitude correctly, writing down your pieces of gratitude should bring you back to the exact moment in your day as if you are reliving that moment. If you need inspiration, check out our collection of gratitude list ideas to help you get started!

three candles lit

In the fast-paced world of social media and the need for constant comparison, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what you are lacking, or on what others have. But remember, the best tips for a happier life often start with embracing the present moment and acknowledging the positive things, no matter how small they may seem. 

If you are constantly living in gratitude and looking for things to be grateful for, you will find it easier to shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Gratitude isn’t something that comes easily to everyone. If you are looking for inspiration to help you start using this powerful habit, our list of 50 gratitude quotes is a good way to help you start making gratitude a regular part of your day.

#3. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

My favourite tip on this list is cultivating a positive mindset. In the rollercoaster of life, maintaining a positive mindset can be your best bet for weathering storms, especially when the world seems determined to throw bad things your way.

When you’re having a hard time or going through a tough time, it’s easy to let negative thoughts and emotions take over. But here’s the thing: we have an incredible capacity to reprogram our negative thoughts and embrace a brighter outlook. It all starts with a choice – choosing to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Picture this scenario: You’ve had a bad day, and the weight of negative feelings is dragging you down. This is precisely when having a positive mindset can work wonders. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that even in the face of adversity, you have the power to focus on the good things and the growth opportunities. It might be a small victory, a moment of laughter with a family member, or the fact that you’re taking practical steps to improve your mental wellness.

In our home, if one of us is having difficulty reframing a negative thought we like to turn on one of our favorite songs: “Get Back Up Again” from Trolls. While it may seem silly, there is no way any of us are escaping that song without a positive mindset!

Having a positive mindset is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about consciously shifting your perspective, finding different viewpoints, and embracing a healthier way to deal with negative situations. By doing this, you’re taking a practical step toward better mental and emotional well-being. Everything in life may not be easy, but you have the power to believe that you can do anything you put our mind to. And the first step is to have a positive mindset!

#4. Put Things Into Perspective

The fourth tip for learning how to stop letting things bother you is to put things into perspective. When you’re faced with life’s challenges, big or small, finding a new perspective is often the best way to navigate through the toughest of times.

Imagine this scenario: Your bad day has taken over your whole world and everything feels like a big deal. It happens to us all! But here’s the thing about human beings – we all have the remarkable ability to shift our focus and view things from different angles.

The next time you encounter an upsetting situation or find yourself drowning in negative thoughts, take a deep breath. Step back and consider the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a week, a month, or a year from now?” Most often, the answer is no. By putting things into perspective, you’re taking a practical step towards letting go of anger, frustration, and stress.

It’s like opening a window and letting in a breath of fresh air. You’ll find that even the seemingly insurmountable problems that feel like the worst thing in the universe have a way of becoming smaller when you view them from different perspectives.

The only real issue issue with this tip is that it is very difficult to do on your own. It might feel like you are the only person who has ever gone through what you are going through. But letting people close to you know what’s on your mind without complaining can help you gain some much needed outside perspective!

#5. Journal Your Thoughts

The last tip on this list of how to stop letting things bother you is to journal your thoughts and ask yourself important questions. In the whirlwind of life, taking time to reflect on your experiences can be one of the best ways to gain clarity, process emotions, and make positive changes.

Think about this: You’ve had a hard time, perhaps a series of minor things have accumulated and left you feeling overwhelmed. This is where journaling can be a game-changer. It’s like having an open conversation with yourself on a piece of paper that can help you process and organize your thoughts.

When you’re facing negative emotions, jotting down your thoughts can help you go beyond the surface and uncover the root cause of your feelings. It’s a healthy way to explore your thoughts and let go of things that might be holding you back. By asking yourself important questions, you can dig deep and discover different perspectives on what’s bothering you.

woman writing in journal

As you journal, you may find patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. This will allow you to make better choices the next time you encounter a similar situation. It’s a powerful coping mechanism that can transform your response to life’s challenges.

Remember, you don’t need to be a professional writer or spend too much time in order to journal effectively. It’s about you, your own work, and your journey towards a more positive and fulfilling life. 

Using These Tips on How To Stop Letting Things Bother You

The most important thing to remember is that in the grand scheme of things, life’s little annoyances are just that—little things. We are all susceptible to negative emotions, but we also possess the incredible capacity to shift our perspectives and reactions. The best way to stop letting things bother you is by embracing a positive mindset, practicing gratitude, putting things into perspective, journaling your thoughts, and resisting the urge to complain.

The next time you have a hard time dealing with the minor things that life throws your way, remember that you have 5 great tips at your disposal. Take a deep breath and release the grip of anger and frustration. Instead, focus on the good things, no matter how small, and shift your emotional state. Embrace different perspectives to navigate through tough times, and journal your thoughts to gain clarity and make positive changes.

It’s not about having a perfect life, but rather about having the tools to handle it imperfectly, yet gracefully. By letting go of unnecessary expectations and cultivating a positive mindset, you’re on the path to a healthier emotional state.

The next time life hands you a bad day or an upsetting situation, remember these best tips, and watch how they transform your ability to live life to the fullest while letting go of the things that no longer serve you. 

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family on social media! If you know someone who could use some help learning how to stop letting things bother them, this post could be just what they need!


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