Regret is the feeling of wishing you had made a different decision in the past, often because the outcome was unfavorable. It's a blend of sadness and disappointment, rooted in the belief that things could have turned out better if you had chosen differently. Regret can feel heavy and lingering, like a weight on your chest or a constant nagging thought. It often shows up when reflecting on missed opportunities, mistakes, or choices that didn't align with your values. According to Plutchik's framework, regret is categorized under sadness, with low arousal and negative valence, suggesting it can be a quiet but profound emotion that prompts reintegration and help-seeking behaviors.
Using Inner
Using Inner, you can track patterns of regret by journaling about specific instances where this emotion arises. Pay attention to the physical sensations it triggers, such as heaviness in your chest or a knot in your stomach. By recognizing these signals, you can better understand the root causes and take steps to address them. For example, if you notice that regret often follows moments of indecision, you might set intentions to be more decisive in the future. Inner also offers guided exercises to help you express and regulate this emotion, such as writing a letter to your past self or practicing self-compassion.
Try Inner for Free