Emotions can be mystifying, pleasing, heartbreaking, fascinating, and completely overwhelming.
Sometimes it can feel like emotions arise and take over, ruling our actions.
Other times, we might feel more in control of how we respond to surfacing emotions.
What are emotions?
Fedrick says that it is a common misconception that emotions are the same as feelings or mood states.
How emotions work in our body.
Emotions can affect our bodies in a number of ways.
“The limbic system has been identified as the primary part of the brain that processes our emotional experiences.
The basic types of emotions.
“This can cause our bodies to react through a depressed mood or cause irritability,” says Guarino.
“It can also cause the body to feel heavier and low in energy.”
Fear
Fear takes place when the brain perceives a potential threat.
“Some people may also freeze up.”
“Anger can cause muscle tension and a short temper,” says Guarino.
Disgust
Disgust can cause aversive reactions in the body.
You may experience an upset stomach or you may find yourself wanting to leave the situation.
“Initial reactions may be freeze or shock reactions,” says Guarino.
Other theories on emotion.
Some theories are cognitive, some physiological, some both, and some neither.
Regardless of these variations, much emotional research entwines and overlaps.
The takeaway.
Cognitive processing of emotions can bedone in therapy, through practices likejournaling,movement,meditation, and beyond.
All of these methods can also be effective ways ofboosting your emotional intelligence.
