Emotions are a fundamental part of our lives, for betterandfor worse.
Try using the emotion wheel to identify what you’re specifically experiencing.
From there, as therapistGenesis Espinoza, LMFT,recommends, “Notice what you are feeling.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings.
(Check out our guide tothe emotion wheelfor more info.)
So as adults, we typically become triggered by experiences that are reminiscent of these old painful feelings.”
“I encourage you to be very honest with yourself about your triggers and how you react to them.
Even if this approach feels harsh initially, it will help you learn to be more compassionate with yourself.
Thinking honesty about your triggers is the only way to eventually heal them,” Paul explains.
And according to therapist and relationship expertMegan Bruneau, M.A., that’s whenradical acceptancecomes in.
The pain might still be there, but some of the suffering will be alleviated," she says.
you’re free to repeat this sequence until you start to feel calmer.
This is a practice that takes time and mindfulness, so be patient with yourself.
This process can affect your overall positivity, withmultiple studies2showing that awell-oxygenated brain helps manage anxiety and depression3.
Other studies have found thatexercise may help alleviate depression and anxiety overall4.
FAQs
How can I control my emotional feelings?
Practice pausing before reacting, find ways to de-stress, and get professional help if you need it.
Why can’t I control my emotions?
The takeaway
There’s no escaping emotions, and the only way out is through.
Repressing your emotions will only get you so farand they’ll likely just resurface down the road.
