What is sublimation and how to sublimate more effectively

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a protective mechanism of the psyche that allows you to redirect the energy of negative experiences into useful activities. Sigmund Freud saw it as a person's opportunity to rise above base instincts, transforming painful emotions into energy for important and sought-after work. The scientist first outlined this concept in 1900.

The term "sublimation" is derived from the Latin word sublimatio, which literally means "ascension" or "spiritualization." In physics, this word is synonymous with the word “sublimation” and implies that the substance immediately evaporates, bypassing the liquid phase. In psychology, sublimation implies a similar process - a person realizes his experiences at a higher (elevated) level, avoiding their base manifestations.

Modern psychology considers sublimation as an important mechanism of socialization. Its manifestations are studied within the framework of creativity psychology, child and sports psychology. In everyday life, it allows you to get rid of tension, states of depression and dissatisfaction. When engaged in active activity, a person experiences pleasure and satisfaction from the feeling of the work done.

Where to get energy for sublimation

Without energy, we cannot fully function and enjoy life. With a lack of internal “uplift,” a person usually procrastinates, takes a passive position, is sad and complains about circumstances or life. Men and women can get energy from different sources. Not everything that suits women will suit men.

10 Powerful Sources of Energy for Women

A woman is more emotional and subject to mood changes. In one day, she can experience a whole range of different feelings: joy, pleasure, fun, despondency, annoyance, etc. Therefore, more sources are needed to increase energy than men.

How to draw energy:

1. Healthy eating. Women's metabolism, unfortunately, is not as intense as that of men. Therefore, it is better to avoid fried, salty and fatty foods. It is also known that the bulk of endorphins (hormones of happiness) are found in the intestines;
2. Dream. The fair sex absolutely needs to get enough sleep - at least 8 hours a day of sound sleep. When you lack sleep, not only your skin suffers, but also your emotional health;
3. Loneliness. Almost every woman strives to be alone at least 1-3 times a week, getting rid of everyday, routine chores and responsibilities. This is important for her psycho-emotional health. Therefore, you should not neglect this point. Give vent to your thoughts and take care of yourself;
4. Loyalty. This is a powerful source of energy for women.
5. Keep a personal diary. Writing practice is quite effective for women, but not for men. Write down your thoughts, even the most intimate ones, get rid of mental burden, write down your grievances, problems, share your joy in order to be filled with a new flow of energy;
6. Journey. To gain energy you need to change your environment. To do this, you can either visit your favorite city or go to another country. This is an excellent “recharge” for women in the form of accumulation of positive impressions;
7. Help others. This way you will feel needed and blossom before your eyes;
8. Get creative. A great way to get a sip of powerful energy;
9. Buy beautiful clothes, jewelry, accessories. For many women, a new look in the mirror inspires and motivates them to change;
10. Be grateful. Make it a habit to be grateful for something every day. No one? Then thank the good weather, the warm sun, grass, trees, the house you live in, etc. This will help you change your attitude towards life and remove possible complaints against others.

It is from these sources that a woman usually draws energy

5 Powerful Sources of Energy for Men

Men can get energy from the following sources:

• Enjoy the little things. Considering that men are fixated on global things, they are unable to notice the joy in front of their noses. Therefore, turn your attention to small joys, for example, your environment, loved ones, car, etc.;
• Avoid stress, depression and anxiety. Life is not given for the purpose of ruminating in your head all day long about the topic of work or unsuccessful relationships;
• Start playing sports. This is the best source of energy;
• Find something you love and give yourself completely to it;
• Try to eat right and get enough sleep. Vigor begins with a rested body. We must not forget about this.

For men, the list is not very different, but it is also important to follow

Increased sexual energy

In order for women to receive an influx of sexual energy, they need not only to internally desire it, but also to perform certain actions:

• Dancing. Any kind (belly dance, striptease, half-dance) - any type of dance with erotic content. Learn to feel your attractiveness and femininity;
• Attend yoga courses, learn to relax through meditation;
• Train your intimate muscles. Kegel or other exercises can be used in this regard;
• Be sure to include skirts and dresses in your wardrobe;
• Engage in creative activities;
• Take care of your own appearance.

It is important to like yourself and enjoy what you have.

This side of life is important, so respect your sexuality and give it its due time

Transforming Negative Energy

We completely provide ourselves with negative energy on our own. You just need to change the course of your thinking and learn to stop negative thoughts by transforming them into a positive direction.

1. Don't allow yourself to get caught up in negative thoughts. You shouldn’t feel sorry for yourself, be angry with someone, or be offended. Eradicate these thoughts, stop them and transform them into positive ones. We tend to think more intensely about our dissatisfaction, finding confirmation of these thoughts. But negativity is not constructive. It destroys only us from the inside, but not circumstances or our offenders;
2. Close your eyes, put on your favorite music. Get rid of negative thoughts;
3. Imagine your negative energy and try to transform it into a positive direction.

If you don’t let negativity into your life, which loves to feed on your energy, you can develop the habit of finding a positive moment in everything and soberly assessing any situation that arises with you.

Negative energy can go away after sublimation

Origin of the term

For a complete understanding, it is necessary to first consider the physical meaning of this concept. In physics, this is the name for the process of dry sublimation - the transformation of a substance from a solid phase into a gaseous phase. This phenomenon can be observed in iodine crystals or pieces of “dry ice” (frozen CO2 used by ice cream makers). In the open air, these substances quickly evaporate, while remaining completely dry.

Ordinary ice from water can also sublimate if placed in a vacuum. This is used in the production of instant (freeze-dried) coffee. The concentrated solution is frozen and ground into small pieces, then placed in a vacuum. All the ice evaporates, leaving porous granules.

Sigmund Freud drew a parallel between this physical phenomenon and a special mental process in which a person manages to contain strong feelings and channel this energy into a constructive channel. The scientist described this process as redirecting the energy of unacceptable desires (sexual, sadistic) to solve useful problems. He considered this a natural self-defense mechanism of our psyche and looked for ways to use it in psychotherapy.

Definition of this structure

Redirecting energy into creativity

Sublimation is an integral part of psychoanalysis in psychology. The concept is associated with the redirection of unconsumable energy in another direction, which entails a more productive type of thinking and analysis of one’s own actions.

After the process of sublimation, the person gets rid of the conflict state, and otherwise looks for ways to get rid of the negative and solves problematic issues in a positive way.

In modern times, sublimation is viewed in a broader sense - as a redirection of the total number of impulses of mental energy that are not tied to one or another type of thinking, perception, or understanding.

Sublimation can take a number of forms. Psychologists distinguish between sadistic intentions redirected to sex or art. Or it is consistent with the transformation of libidinal energy into creative aspirations (music, painting, sculpture, etc.).

How does sublimation work?

The operating principle of sublimation is based on the conscious or unconscious redirection of mental and emotional energy in a constructive direction. This process allows you to get rid of the state of internal conflict , deriving additional benefits from it. A person copes with feelings of anger, dissatisfaction and other negative experiences by allowing emotions to spill out in the form of creative energy or physical activity.

Everyone can choose the most effective method of sublimation for themselves. For some it is creativity, for others it is playing sports, for others it is physical labor or cleaning the apartment. If something irritates you to the point of shaking your muscles, try spending the next few hours tidying up your kitchen, bathroom, or entire apartment. Time will fly by and you will feel better.

Sublimation allows people to cope with a wide variety of experiences, complexes and unacceptable desires. For example, various forms of art are often a sublimation of sexual complexes. And a person with sadistic tendencies can sublimate them by working as a surgeon and bringing benefit to people. Thus, sublimation is a natural mechanism that allows you to suppress almost any unwanted emotions. Sometimes a person finds a way to do this on his own, sometimes he needs the help of a psychotherapist.

What are the components and

Consciousness - what is it in psychology

Freud identified two mechanisms: those without a hedonistic character and those with them. The first category includes discipline, routine, prohibitions, and any personal restrictions.

To sublimate this in psychology means to redirect energy. For a hedonistic nature, this results in religious and creative activities.

Fight is the realization of the desire for violence and aggression

It is believed that through the desire to come up with funny stories and jokes, a person satisfies sexual desire. This applies to all types of creativity. To sublimate means, in simple terms, to change destructive energy to constructive energy. For example, aggression is expressed through physical activity: chopping wood, sports, carrying heavy objects, etc.

The structure of the process is quite simple:

1. The psyche is freed from instinct;
2. Emotions and feelings are transformed;
3. Low types of energy are transformed into socially acceptable ones.

Sublimation occupies an important place in psychology. It allows you to understand the motivation for certain actions. If a person is deprived of such a process, then without satisfying basic needs he will quickly go crazy.

Sublimation according to Freud

Sigmund Freud viewed sublimation as a purely positive defense that allows one to transform unwanted emotions into energy and direct it to solve socially acceptable and important problems. This approach should help relieve internal stress by doing useful things.

Modern methods of psychotherapy use sublimation in a similar way, considering it an effective means of resolving the patient’s internal conflicts. However, today the concept of sublimation is interpreted much more broadly than in Freud’s concept. He saw it as a way to transform unwanted drives. Today it is considered a way to transform any unacceptable impulses and experiences.

How to get the most benefit from sublimation?

Sublimation can be either unconscious or completely conscious. If you learn to sublimate on purpose, this will relieve your psyche by getting rid of all (or most) negative emotions. And anyone can learn this, just follow these short instructions:

1. Relax

. Tension interferes with any constructive activity, so the first thing to do is relax.

2. Remember _

. Think of something that inspires and motivates you. You may not have a dream right now. But by thinking about it regularly, you will find something that will inspire you.

3. Meditate

. Meditation helps you focus on your inner self and better understand your own goals, aspirations and desires.

How to sublimate effectively and why it is useful

Sublimation is useful because it relieves the psyche, allows a person to take a broader look at the situation and find a safe and positive form of activity to splash out their feelings.

Small instructions:

1. Relax. Life around you does not stop while you are focused on your condition.
2. Try to dream. Go through all the options that come to mind. One day you will catch on to something and realize that this is what you want to strive for.
3. Meditate. Deep meditation, when carried out correctly, will help you get to the bottom of your inner “I” and find out what this “I” wants to do and what solution to problems it will prefer.
4. Fall in love. And remember your condition. With the same feeling of euphoria, you need to start fulfilling your chosen goal.

Other meanings of the term

To finally understand what sublimation is, let's consider the meaning of this term in other areas. This will allow us to draw parallels and better understand the meaning of this concept.

In chemistry and physics

The transition of a solid directly into a gaseous state. In this case, no liquid is formed at all; the solid phase is immediately followed by a gaseous phase. This phenomenon can be observed on iodine crystals or pieces of dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide). Both substances at normal atmospheric pressure can only exist in solid and gaseous form.

In the food industry

A special method of drying food. First, they are deep frozen (to a temperature of -18 °C and below), and then placed in a vacuum. The ice evaporates, and the original product retains a significant part of its properties. Sublimation is used in the production of instant coffee, milk powder and various extracts. Meat and vegetables are also dried using this technology. This ensures a long shelf life and subsequent rapid preparation.

In printing

A special printing method that allows you to apply high-quality, moisture-resistant images to fabrics, ceramics and other surfaces.