“It is one of the great paradoxes of the human condition – we ask some variation of the question, “How are you feeling?” over and over, which would lead on to assume that we attach some importance to it, yet we never expect or desire or provide an honest answer.” – Marc Brackett.
Understanding emotional regulation:
Emotional regulation is often described as the ability to effectively manage and modulate one’s emotions to respond to the demands of the environment, maintaining our well-being. When we experience and respond to challenging circumstances, we use mental and coping strategies to recognize, understand and regulate our emotions.
Emotional dysregulation, on the other hand, refers to difficulties in effectively managing emotions. It is characterized by intense or prolonged emotional reactions that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. People experiencing emotional dysregulation may find it challenging to modulate their emotions, leading to emotional responses that are inconsistent with the context or overwhelming to others and themselves.
Emotional dysregulation can manifest in various ways, such as frequent mood swings, difficulty calming down after becoming upset, impulsive behaviour, emotional outbursts, self-destructive tendencies, or difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
Practical emotional regulation skills involve:
- Being aware of one’s emotions.
- Understanding their causes and triggers.
- Employing healthy and safe coping strategies to manage them.
Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, seeking social support, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care can help regulate emotions.
Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based modalities, or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), can also assist individuals in developing and enhancing their emotional regulation skills.
Developing emotional regulation is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being and personal growth. It refers to understanding, managing, and expressing emotions in a healthy and adaptive manner. Individuals with strong emotional regulation skills are better equipped to handle stress, build satisfying relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.
Here are some fundamental principles and strategies to consider when aiming to develop emotional regulation:
Self-awareness: Developing emotional regulation begins with cultivating self-awareness. It involves being in tune with your emotions, recognizing their triggers, and understanding how they manifest in your thoughts, behaviours, and physical sensations. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, can enhance your self-awareness and help you observe your emotions without judgment.
Emotion identification and labelling: Learn to accurately identify and label your emotions. Sometimes, people struggle to differentiate between similar emotions or fail to recognize what they are feeling. By expanding your emotional vocabulary and paying attention to bodily sensations, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of your emotions, making it easier to regulate them effectively.
Acceptance and non-judgment: Embracing your emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, is essential in emotional regulation. Avoid judging or suppressing your emotions, as this can lead to further distress. Instead, practice acceptance by acknowledging that all emotions are valid and serve a purpose. Accepting your emotions can create a space for self-compassion and understanding.
Recognizing negative beliefs: Our thoughts greatly influence our emotions. Practice reframing negative or distorted thoughts contributing to emotional dysregulation. Replace negative self-talk with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Restructuring our default negative narrative allows us to reinterpret situations to promote healthier emotional responses.
Emotional regulation strategies: Explore various strategies to effectively manage and regulate your emotions. Some standard techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, engaging in physical activity, seeking social support, practicing self-care, and engaging in creative outlets like art or music. Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you in different situations.
Emotional intelligence and empathy: Enhance your emotional intelligence by developing empathy towards yourself and others. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can foster better communication, empathy, and emotional regulation in relationships. By practicing empathy, you cultivate a deeper understanding of emotions within yourself and the context of interpersonal dynamics.
Seek professional support: If you find it challenging to develop emotional regulation skills independently or if your emotional dysregulation significantly impacts your daily life, consider seeking professional help. A qualified therapist can guide you through evidence-based interventions targeting emotional regulation skills.
Remember, developing emotional regulation is a gradual process that requires patience, self-compassion, and consistent practice. Integrating these principles and strategies into your life can foster greater emotional resilience, balance, and overall psychological well-being.