When we do not have our needs met, the feeling that we often experience is that of frustration. Feeling frustrated is something that frequently results from our inability to resolve the issues confronting us. It has been observed that the fewer frustrating situations that we have had to endure, the higher the tendency to exhibit a low frustration tolerance.

Ills Of Low Frustration Tolerance

Low frustration tolerance often invites in procrastination and self-defeating behaviours. Difficulty or discomfort in enduring situations that we do not enjoy often gets us to put things off and sometimes avoid them altogether. Foot dragging with engaging with that regular exercise regimen, making a potentially unpleasant telephone call, improving our diet and initiating contact with a new acquaintance are often among the ills of low frustration tolerance.

How To Improve Low Frustration Tolerance

1. Accept The Simple Truth That Hassles Are Unavoidable Part Of Life

To continue with, accepting the simple truth that hassles are an unavoidable part of life helps us to deal with problems without making ourselves overly upset about them.

2. Practice Acceptance In Situations Beyond Your Control

Rather than demanding that problems should not exist, our best strategy should be to practice acceptance in situations beyond our control and help ourselves out of suffering. On the other hand, we add to our suffering when we demand that things must go our own way and when we go on to characterize a situation as intolerable unless our demands are met.

3. Realise That You Are Responsible For Your Feelings

The crucial question to ask ourselves is this: “given a particular pressing situation, is it possible to experience another feeling other than frustration?”  The awareness that we are responsible for our feelings is the key to taking control of our frustrating feelings, keeping things in perspective, exploring our options and taking positive actions.

4. Use Constructive Calming Statements

Again, taking responsibility for our feelings helps us to think up constructive calming statements. Constructive statements help us to soothe our frustration. The statements feature. “The reality is that people don’t always do the right thing although I prefer they did.” “Things go wrong at times for everybody and frustration is an inescapable part of life.” “This situation may be a nuisance but it is not a disaster and will not matter in five years time.” “The worst case scenario out of this situation is quite bearable and there are always positive actions to consider.” “This situation is not life-threatening, and I can stand it when I miss out on something that I want.”

Low frustration tolerance can be improved in the face of the awareness that we are responsible for how we feel.