We all find ways to cope with difficult emotions, but not all strategies serve us equally. Compartmentalizing can be a healthy way to acknowledge a feeling without being consumed by it, while avoidance often pushes emotions away altogether—only for them to resurface later. The difference lies in how we relate to what shows up. In this blog, we’ll explore how to tell them apart and how to practice mindful acknowledgment so you can protect your energy without losing touch with your emotions.