It's important to be aware of how our emotions can affect our behavior. When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's helpful to take a step back and calm down before making any decisions. (See blog about emotional decision making). We can also try to identify our triggers and develop a coping mechanisms for dealing with them in a healthy way. By taking these 3 simple steps, we can learn how to manage our emotions
Identify the emotion(s)
What emotion you are feeling? Have a clear understanding of what emotion has surfaced. Sometimes anxiousness can come off of being nervous. Excitement can come off as anxious. So it is key to know and understand what emotion you are actually truly feeling in that moment, so you can properly manage it.
Once you've identified your emotions, you can start to understand them better. You can ask yourself questions like:
Why am I feeling this way?
What triggered this emotion?
How can I cope with this emotion in a healthy way?
Accept your emotions.
Once you have identified your emotion, you now must accept it. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to suppress or deny my emotions. Telling myself that I'm happy when I'm not, or that I'm not angry when I am. But all of this does is lead me down a spiral of disastrous emotions.
When we suppress our emotions, we're not actually getting rid of them. We're just pushing them down, and they'll eventually come back up in a more destructive way. For example, if we're feeling angry and we suppress it, we might eventually explode in anger at someone who doesn't deserve it.
It's important to remember that it's okay to feel a variety of emotions. Trying to suppress your emotions will only make them worse. Instead, try to accept your emotions and allow yourself to feel them.
Express your emotions in a healthy way.
Once you've accepted your emotions, you can start to express them in a healthy way. This could involve talking to a friend or therapist, writing in a journal, or doing something creative.
Managing your emotions is an ongoing process. There will be times when you feel like you're doing a great job, and there will be times when you feel like you're struggling. The important thing is to keep trying and to not give up. By following the tips above, you can learn to better understand your emotions, how to cope with them in a healthy way & live a happier more meaningful life.
Here are some additional tips for managing your emotions:
Identify your triggers.
What are the things that tend to make you feel angry, sad, anxious, or stressed? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for avoiding them or coping with them in a healthy way.
Use relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help you calm down and reduce stress. Some popular relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing
Build a support network.
Having a strong support network can help you through difficult times. Talk to your friends, family, or therapist about how you're feeling.
Take some time for yourself.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. This could mean taking a walk, listening to music, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.
When you take time for yourself, you start to get back to yourself and learn many new things yourself as well. In this state you are likely to learn more about the state you like to be in.
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