Have you ever caught yourself reacting emotionally to a situation and wished you had more control?
We all have.
We’re all very familiar with emotions, that’s because we feel before we learn to speak. Whatever you do, they’re always with you, shaping your actions and thoughts.
Emotions are essential to break the language barrier because they transmit non-verbal messages that are understood universally.
However, we all had those moments when anger or anxiety took over us and made us react without rational thinking.
Emotions can be dangerous if you let them be so. They can make us or break us.Thus, it’s important to learn how to handle them.
Let’s see how you can manage your emotions better.
Be more mindful
I’ve said it probably a hundred times before, but it’s never enough.
Mindfulness is key.
It’s such an important skill that you can’t go wrong with it.
Practice any form of meditation, and you’ll be amazed at how your life has changed.
By being aware of yourself and your thoughts, you will begin to notice how certain emotions arise, their effects on your body, and when they start to disappear.
You should be able to recognize specific emotions and their triggers just by reflecting on your feelings.
When angry, you should be able to recognize it and act on it.
Observe how it makes you feel, and calm yourself down.
“Care for your psyche…know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves.” Socrates
Become familiar with your underlying self.
What makes me angry or happy? How does anxiety affect me? Why do I feel shame when I do this?
Don’t judge yourself, instead become your own best friend.
Stop labelling
When noticing an emotion, don’t label it as “good” or “bad”
There is neither “good” nor “bad”, there are just emotions
For instance, when spotting anxiety arising in you, don’t stress about it because this will exacerbate its effects.
Instead, acknowledge what you’re feeling and accept that this is part of the human experience.
What you’re feeling is temporary and will probably disappear within 15 minutes.
Accepting that emotions are normal and will pass away will make you less influenced by their effects. It’s a natural process that occurs to everyone and is helpful for our existence, so don’t try to suppress it.
Wrapping up
Mastering your emotions doesn’t mean suppressing them — it’s about understanding them and accepting them for what they are, just emotions.
By becoming more mindful, recognizing your triggers, and avoiding judging your emotions, you develop emotional resilience.
Remember, emotions are a core part of the human experience, guiding and shaping our actions.