Emotions are a big part of our lives. They affect how we react to things and play a role in our relationships, mood, and choices. But here's the good news: you don't have to hide or control your emotions to manage them.
In this guide, we'll show you how to be in charge of your emotions without suppressing them. By doing this, you can have better relationships, feel happier, and make smarter decisions.
Think of your emotions as your friends, not your enemies. Let's get started on this journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Understanding and managing your emotions is more important than you might think. Your emotions are like your internal compass, guiding your decisions, relationships, daily interactions, and self-care.
When you're in tune with your emotions, you gain valuable insights that can help you:
1. Make better decisions.
2. Build successful relationships.
3. Navigate day-to-day life more smoothly.
4. Take better care of yourself.
However, when your emotions feel overwhelming or out of control, they can negatively affect your emotional well-being and how you connect with others.
The good news is that with a little practice, you can regain control. Studies from 2010 suggest that having strong emotional regulation skills is linked to well-being. Another study even hints at a potential link between these skills and financial success. So, working on your emotional management can literally pay off in multiple ways.
Here are some pointers to get you started
1. Take a look at the impact of your emotions
Emotions make life exciting and unique," says Botnick. "Strong feelings mean we're living fully, not hiding our natural reactions.Feeling overwhelmed now and then is normal – it happens when something really good or bad occurs or when you think you've missed out on something.But how do you know if it's a problem?
When your emotions often go haywire, it can lead to:
1. Problems in your relationships or friendships.
2. Difficulty connecting with others.
3. Issues at work or school.
4. Feeling like you need to use substances to cope.
5. Unwanted emotional or physical outbursts.
Take some time to think about how your uncontrolled emotions affect your daily life. This will help you see what needs to change and track your progress.
2. Aim for regulation, not repression
Imagine if you could manage your emotions like adjusting a dial – it sounds tempting, right? However, in reality, emotions can't be controlled that easily. You wouldn't want them at maximum all the time, but turning them off completely isn't the solution either.
When you suppress or repress your emotions, whether consciously or unconsciously, it can lead to various mental and physical health issues like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, muscle tension, and even substance misuse.
So, as you strive to gain control over your emotions, remember not to simply push them aside. Aim for regulation, not repression. Healthy emotional management involves finding a balance between overwhelming emotions and feeling nothing at all. This balance is where emotional well-being and overall health thrive.
3. Engage in a Mood Booster
When you find yourself in a bad mood, it's easy to fall into habits that keep you feeling down. Isolating yourself, endlessly scrolling through your phone, or venting frustrations to those around you are some common "go-to bad mood behaviors.
However, these actions tend to trap you in that negative state. If you genuinely want to improve your mood, it's essential to take positive steps. Think about the things that make you happy and engage in them even when you're feeling down.
For instance, call a friend for a pleasant chat rather than dwelling on complaints, take a leisurely walk, spend a few minutes meditating, or listen to uplifting music. These simple mood boosters can help shift your perspective and brighten your day.
4 . Identify what you’re feeling
If you're feeling upset, taking a moment to check in with yourself is a helpful way to regain control. For instance, let's say you're dating someone, and they've been hard to reach. When they finally respond, you feel really upset and act impulsively. Instead, pause and ask yourself:
1. What am I feeling? (Maybe disappointed, confused, or furious)
2. Why do I feel this way? (They brushed me off without an explanation)
3. Could there be another reason that makes sense? (Maybe they're going through something they can't explain yet)
4. What should I do? (You might want to yell, vent, or respond rudely)
5. Is there a better way to handle this? (Try asking if they're okay, when they're free, or go for a walk)
By thinking about alternatives, you can change your initial reaction. It might take a while to make this a habit, but with practice, it gets easier. These steps can help you respond more calmly in difficult situations.
5. Take a deep breath
Taking a deep breath can work wonders, whether you're overflowing with joy or boiling with anger. It won't magically make your emotions vanish (and that's not the goal anyway), but it can help you center yourself and step back from that intense emotional rush, preventing you from reacting in an extreme way.
Here's what to do when you sense your emotions taking over:
1. Breathe in slowly from your belly, not your chest.
2. Hold it for a count of three.
3. As you breathe out slowly, you can even repeat a soothing mantra like "I am calm" or "I am relaxed" to help regain control.
This simple practice can be a game-changer in regaining your composure during intense emotional moments.
6.Try meditation
If you already meditate, great! It can be a helpful way to handle strong emotions. Meditation teaches you to notice your feelings without trying to change or ignore them, which makes it easier to manage your emotions.
Accepting all your emotions is key to emotional control, and meditation can boost this skill. Plus, it has extra benefits like reducing stress and helping you relax for better sleep. If you're new to meditation or want to explore different techniques, our meditation guide can be a handy starting point.
7. Give yourself some space
Creating some distance from intense emotions is a smart move, as suggested by Botnick. This space can be physical, like leaving a troubling situation. Alternatively, you can mentally step back by distracting yourself.
While it's not ideal to completely block or avoid your feelings, it's perfectly okay to use healthy distractions temporarily until you're in a better position to face them. Just remember to return to your emotions at some point. Here are some helpful distractions:
1. Take a walk.
2. Watch a funny video.
3. Talk to a loved one.
4. Spend a few minutes with your pet.
These simple activities can provide a breather and allow you to come back to your emotions with a clearer perspective.