Why should you learn to deal with your emotions?
In my previous article, I answered the question: what are emotions? I have already pointed out that it’s better not to ignore your emotions or push them away. In fact, it’s important to embrace emotions, however difficult it is sometimes; it will enrich your life:
You will strengthen your emotional intelligence, which allows you to raise your awareness and understand your feelings. You will make better decisions and you will nurture your self-control, enthusiasm and determination.
You will learn to know yourself and other people better. As a result, you will be kinder to yourself and develop strong and rewarding relationships.
You will make use of your human potential and leverage your emotions, even when they are intense or painful, leading to more freedom and personal growth
4 steps to emotional balance
Step 1: identify and recognise your emotions
By identifying your emotions, you will fully recognise what truly matters to you. Four basic emotions exist: joy, anger, sadness and fear. The frequency and intensity of each emotion can vary significantly.
Step 2: listen to what your body is telling you
Emotions can be powerful and can escalate; for instance, frustration can lead to irritation and then anger. You can step out of that negative cycle by paying attention to your body and listening to what it’s telling you. You may, for example, feel a tightening sensation in your chest. Focusing your attention on it or breathing into this area of tension can give you a feeling of space. That will bring you into contact with your emotions and make you a spectator to your own thoughts.
Tip: for this process, it’s important to strengthen your body’s awareness. You could use this simple 3-minute stretching exercise:
Step 3: discover the meaning of your specific emotion
Every emotion has a meaning. For instance, anger can indicate that someone, in your eyes, has crossed the line or regret can mean that you did something that doesn’t match your values. That’s valuable information which you can put to use. Show kindness to yourself and others, especially when dealing with elements of yourself that you’ve been neglecting.
Step 4: take action
Emotions produce a lot of energy. You can use that energy to take action and apply what you have learnt from the emotion. For instance, you could use the energy fuelling your regret to do something you fully support or you could communicate what you have experienced or convey your genuine needs.
Stop for a moment and consider what you need as well. Maybe you require some time for yourself, you wish to inspire yourself or you want to step out into nature?
