10 Steps to Mastering Your Emotions
Are you controlling your emotions or are they controlling you? Emotions are not our enemy; in fact, they are there to help guide us in life. But when your emotions are out of control, it can be hard on your mind, body, and your relationships.
Feeling emotions is not a bad thing, but what happens when our actions as a result of our emotions are causing havoc in our lives. Just stop and consider what effect uncontrolled emotions can have on your life:
● They can easily fuel us to do or say something inappropriate
● Strong emotions can inhibit our ability to make sound decisions
● Overactive emotional responses can be damaging to your health
On the other hand, when we have control of our emotions; when we are in the driver’s seat of our life, have a look at the benefits it will have in your day to day living:
● Your stress levels will reduce
● You can easily make decisions you can trust
● You’ll live in greater harmony with others
● You’ll enjoy more peace and happiness in your life
● You’ll have improved sleep
● You’ll have better work performance
To help you learn how to take control of your emotions I have put together 10 easy to follow steps that will have you mastering your emotions in no time.
10 Easy Steps to Mastering Your Emotions:
Be aware of your emotions. This is the critical first step. Emotions turn off the logical part of your brain. You’re fully engaged with whatever has triggered your emotional state. It takes practice to notice that your emotions are off-kilter. However, it’s easier to put out a small fire than a big one. Catch yourself as quickly as possible.
Reduce stress. You’ve probably noticed that when you’re stressed, you’re less patient with others around you. When your stress levels are higher, you’re more likely to overreact. Take time to enjoy activities that bring you peace.
Exercise. It’s harder to get upset or stressed after a good workout. Regular exercise releases tension in your body and makes it easier to control your emotions throughout the day.
Determine your triggers. When are you most likely to lose control? At work? At home in the evening? With your in-laws? Notice your emotional patterns and do what you can to minimize your responses in those situations.
Keep your ego under control. Many strong negative emotions are the result of a fragile ego. You might feel you’ve been ignored, mistreated, or slighted in some way. Or perhaps you believe that someone didn’t act in a way you considered appropriate. You can shore up your ego with positive affirmations.
Mindfulness. Mindfulness teaches you that your thoughts and emotions are fleeting things that largely come and go. By learning to just observe them, you learn that they will fade away on their own. You also realize that you don’t have to react to them.
Sleep. Have you noticed how a tired toddler is on an emotional knife edge. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re immune to this phenomenon. Get enough sleep to ensure that you’re emotionally sound each day.
Change your thoughts. You can upset yourself with your thoughts alone. You can also make yourself feel better by changing your thoughts. When you notice a negative thought, immediately switch it to a thought that makes you feel good.
Pause. Think of all the trouble you could have saved yourself over the years if you had just taken a moment to breathe and relax. When you’re feeling overly emotional, take time to collect yourself before you speak. Bring yourself back to reality by directing your attention to your breathing.
Focus on finding a solution. Emotions run higher when you focus on the problem. Direct your attention to a solution instead. You’ll not only calm yourself; you’ll be on track to solving the issue before you.
Maintaining control of your emotions is a vital skill. You can develop this skill with practice and the above strategies will help. When you have control over your emotions, you will have more control over your life. So, go on - take the first step to gaining control over your emotions today!
