Emotions can truly overwhelm us, causing us to lose control of them (and so of ourselves) and plunge headlong into emotional reefs. I will tell you how to get back in the driver’s seat.
Anger, fear, anxiety, mental pain, bitterness of loss, longing for the lost, despair – these and a variety of other emotions can overwhelm you and render you immobile. Perhaps you wake up with one of these feelings, or it keeps you awake at night, prevents you from making a critical decision, or forces you to continually fuss to get away from it. Life is dominated by powerful emotions in all circumstances.
Feelings may be both our best friends and worst adversaries
Many people grew up in families where it was common practice to minimize or dismiss the value of emotions, as well as to overlook a child’s emotional needs. We would not be able to learn how to deal with and respond correctly to sentiments if they were not openly discussed.
As a result, many adults struggle with emotional issues: either all feelings are numbed, or, on the contrary, an emotional storm flares up from time to time, making it impossible to cope.
Why do we need emotions?
They are provided to us for a reason; the body uses them to send us signals. They provide crucial information, guide, motivate, and invigorate us if we use them wisely. Emotions have a big impact on us because they serve these vital roles.
However, this power has the potential to be our enemy. For example, sometimes we direct our wrath inward, which is supposed to shield us, and it causes us pain. The bitterness of loss, which should help us put the past behind us and move on, can be driven deep within us and begin to eat away at us from within. Anxiety, rather than assisting us in preparing for issues, causes us to avoid them.
If it appears that emotions sap your strength or prevent you from reaching your objectives, you are mistreating them or reacting ineffectively to them. Here are a few tactics that can help both individuals who have had major emotional problems in the past and those who are dealing with them on a regular basis.
Management strategies for strong emotions
- Write a description of your experience.
Psychotherapists are the only people who understand that the only way to deal with emotions is to feel them. First, list down your thoughts on paper. If you’re being plagued by powerful emotions, get a pen and paper (you can also print on a computer, but the therapeutic effect will be different) and begin writing down anything that comes to mind. Allow yourself as much time as you need to splash or cry out your emotions on paper. Remove the notes and try to divert your attention elsewhere.
- Express your pain.
Something remarkable happens when you tell others about your experiences. The healing power of emotional connection with loved ones is undeniable. To remark, “I’m very sad today,” and to talk about your sentiments, you must first “get” profound feelings, which is beneficial.
- Make meditation a habit.
Strong emotions appear to take possession of the brain, and we lose control. Thoughts either flow freely or become negative and disordered during such times. Meditation is a technique for regaining control of the mind. You can regain tranquility if you stop avoiding feelings and instead sit quietly and focus on what is going on inside you during particularly trying times.
- Work through your emotions
This is the most important ability for dealing with emotions. It entails all of the preceding. To do so, all you have to do is be present with your feelings, understand what you’re feeling and why, and listen to what your emotions are trying to tell you. You may help your emotional realm by describing, talking about, and meditating on your feelings. You no longer only listen to your experiences, but actively participate in them, which is the most effective way to strip them of their influence over your life.
Strong emotions are not an indication of immaturity. They, on the other hand, demonstrate your ability to feel. It’s simply necessary to direct the present flow of emotions within you to your benefit.
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