How to Stop Feeling Guilty: Tips, Techniques and a Natural Remedies

Feeling guilty is never a good feeling. It can make you feel like you're a terrible person, and can really drag you down. If you find that you're struggling with guilt on a regular basis or to an overwhelming amount, it's important to take steps to address the issue. In this blog post, we will discuss seven tips and techniques that can help you stop feeling guilty including four Bach flower remedies that can help as a natural way to support feelings of guilt, shame or regret.

1. Understand the difference between guilt, shame and regret

Everyone feels guilty, ashamed or regretful at some point in their lives. However, it's important to understand the difference between these three emotions. Guilt is feeling bad about something you have done, such as hurting someone’s feelings or breaking a promise. Shame is feeling bad about yourself as a person, such as feeling like you are not good enough or that you will never be successful. Regret is feeling sad about something that happened in the past, such as a missed opportunity or a lost relationship. All three of these emotions can be helpful in motivating you to change your behaviour and make better choices in the future. However, they can also become debilitating if you dwell on them too much. If you find yourself feeling guilty, ashamed or regretful on a regular basis, it's important to work through these emotions and find ways to move forward from this negative thinking.

2. Don't dwell on past mistakes - learn from them and move on

We all make mistakes - it's part of being human. What's important is that we learn from our mistakes and don't dwell on them. obsessing over past mistakes can prevent us from enjoying the present and planning for the future. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. So, if you're dwelling on a mistake you made, take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone makes them. Then, think about what you can do to prevent making that mistake again in the future. And finally, focus on the positive aspects of your life. Dwelling on past mistakes is a wasted opportunity - use it as a chance to learn and grow.

3. Identify the triggers that make you feel guilty

Many of us have triggers that make us feel guilty. For some of us, it might be something as simple as eating unhealthy food or skipping a workout. For others, it might be more complicated, such as not spending enough time with our family or friends. No matter what the trigger is, guilt can be a very negative emotion that can hold us back from living our best life. The first step to dealing with guilty feelings is to identify the triggers that make us feel guilty. Once we know what these triggers are, we can start to put steps in place to avoid or overcome them. For example, if we feel guilty when we skip a workout, we could make a plan to work out three times a week instead of seven. Or if we feel guilty when we eat unhealthy food, we could make sure to always have healthy snacks on hand. By taking these small steps, we can start to reduce the guilt we feel in our lives and live more guilt-free.

4. Practice self-compassion instead of self-judgement

Replace negative thinking with compassion. One of the best way to overcome guilt is to practice self-compassion. Instead of beating yourself up for not meeting your own high standards, give yourself a break. Workout tomorrow instead of today, or set a timer for 30 minutes and then log off social media. Remind yourself that you are only human and that it's okay to make mistakes. By practicing self-compassion, you can learn to let go of the guilt and move on with your day.

5. Give yourself grace - accept that you're human and you're going to make mistakes

None of us are perfect. We're human, and that means we're going to make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes will be small, like misplacing your keys. Other times they'll be bigger, like losing a client or an important project at work. But no matter how big or small the mistake may be, it's important to give yourself grace. Accept that you're human and that you're going to make mistakes. Then forgive yourself, learn from the mistake, and move on with a positive mindset.

6. Apologise and make amends

Guilt can be a heavy burden to carry. By apologising and making amends, we can take responsibility for our actions and begin to make things right. It may not be easy, but it's worth it. Not only will it help us to feel better, but it will also repair damaged relationships and build trust. So if you're feeling guilty about something, don't hesitate to apologise and make amends. It's the best way to move forward.

7. Bach flower remedies can be a natural support for your emotions

Bach flower remedies are natural remedies that can support emotional wellbeing and mental health. There are 38 different flower remedies - each relating to a different emotion. When you move into a negative emotion, your body becomes out of balance and flower remedies can help to bring you back to your true self. Here are some flower remedies that may be able to help with guilt, shame and regret:

Pine

Pine is the flower remedy for feelings of guilt or if you blame yourself or punish yourself - perhaps unnecessarily. Perhaps you're never content with your efforts or you've never forgiven yourself for something that happened years ago - if so, you should consider taking Pine.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is the flower remedy for those stuck in the past who dwell on past memories and struggle to move on from them. This may be regret for past mistakes or missed chances or feeling wistful for the "good old days." This remedy can help you move on and live for the present.

Gentian

Gentian is the flower remedy for those who feel despondent or pessimistic after a set-back. Perhaps this may be a failed exam, not getting a coveted job or having a relationship break up. This remedy will help bring a positive attitude.

Rock Water

Rock Water is the flower remedy for those who are overly perfectionist and rigid with their thinking or lifestyle, denying themselves simple pleasures in the pursuit of perfection. This remedy will help you be more flexible.

Bach flower remedies are natural, safe and gentle with no side effects, but if you have any questions do talk to your GP. You take them as drops under the tongue or in a glass of water, four times a day. You can work with up to seven flower remedies at any one time. At Mindful Remedies you can create your own personal combination, choosing any of the 38 remedies (up to seven) and create your own personalised blend.

Create a remedy

Talk to someone about how you're feeling, whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist

It's normal to feel guilty after making a mistake, hurting someone's feelings, or breaking a promise. But if you're carrying around a lot of guilt, it can start to take a toll on your mental and emotional health. If you're feeling guilty, talk to someone about it. Talking to a friend or family member can help you get your thoughts and feelings out in the open. And if you're having trouble managing your guilt on your own, talking to a therapist can be an even better step. A therapist can help you identify the thoughts and beliefs that are fuelling your guilt, and work with you to develop more helpful ways of thinking. So if you're struggling with guilt, don't keep it to yourself - reach out for support.