Here's how you can gain control of your emotions
Understanding and managing our emotions not only helps us respond in constructive ways but also aids in making better decisions, whether big or small. Instead of suppressing or controlling your emotions, you should learn how to regulate them which in turn, can benefit your mood, day-to-day interactions, and relationships. Here are five ways to control your emotions and lead a healthy and positive life.
Try identifying your feelings
Have you ever felt upset and started overthinking after someone you have been seeing for a few months canceled a date plan twice? You might have even kicked your desk or stubbed your toe. In moments like these, it's beneficial to recognize and understand your emotions while considering an alternative viewpoint. Explore ways to manage and navigate these feelings effectively.
Breathe deeply
Breathing slowly and deeply can help you focus on yourself and ground yourself which can make you avoid that intense first flash of emotion and show an extreme reaction. When you feel like your emotions are taking control, breathe in slowly and hold it for a count of three. Let it out slowly and repeat some positive mantras like "I am calm and relaxed."
Maintain a journal
Try to maintain a journal and note down your emotions and responses in it to get a better idea of your feelings and practice self-reflection. This will also help you understand what triggers certain emotions and how you can deal with them more productively. You can also ask yourself productive and positive questions in your journal entries like, "How am I feeling right now?"
Engage in mood-boosting activities
Instead of sitting alone at home, complaining to people and mindlessly scrolling through social media, engage in positive and mood-boosting activities to control intense feelings and make sure you reasonably react to them. You can meditate, take a walk, or listen to uplifting music. This will keep you distracted for some time until you are in a better place to deal with your feelings.
Try maintaining healthy relationships
If you want to regulate your emotions, maintain healthy relationships and keep people in your life who you can trust and vent out to. Connecting with a loved one and venting out to them will calm your mind and help regulate your body's physical response to emotions. You can use video calls to connect with them; this is great for your mental health.
