avatarRobert W. Locke

Summary

This article provides three suggestions for managing emotions and maintaining a calmer and happier state of mind.

Abstract

The article begins by acknowledging the vast array of emotions humans experience daily, with a focus on negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and frustration. The author emphasizes the importance of managing these emotions to avoid making poor decisions and maintain healthy relationships. The article then presents three suggestions for managing emotions: predicting situations and preparing reactions, using specific techniques to respond to insults, and controlling anger through breathing, muscle relaxation, writing, and analysis. The author also includes two videos and three quotes to support their suggestions.

Bullet points

  • Emotions are a crucial aspect of human life, with 400 emotions experienced daily.
  • Negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and frustration can lead to poor decision-making and damaged relationships.
  • Predicting situations and preparing reactions can help manage emotions.
  • Specific techniques, such as those demonstrated in a video on responding to insults, can help manage emotions in the workplace.
  • Controlling anger involves four steps: controlling breathing, muscle relaxation, writing down what made you angry, and examining the context and analyzing your anger.
  • Two videos and three quotes are included to support the suggestions provided in the article.

Managing Your Emotions — 3 Suggestions For A Calmer And Happier You.

Photo by ahmad gunnaivi on Unsplash

If I were to list all the emotions we feel as human beings, then that would take up all the space for this post. They say that we have to deal with 400 emotions each day so that is why recruiters always ask you about your EQ.

I will just mention a few and then write about the ways I got help with my emotions when I had some problems.

What are emotions?

They are how we feel and the ways we express them when we have to react to a situation or feeling. So we have the whole gamut of emotions which can go from

· anger

· guilt

· love

· sadness

· laughter

· surprise

· hate

· frustration

· fear

Every day we react to situations and events which happen to us or affect us first hand. But more importantly, we react to people and the way they interact and treat us.

We may get angry at stupid or careless drivers and react by shouting or cursing them. Or we may have a more moderate reaction just by leaning on the klaxon.

We may be angry with our colleagues or we may be bullied or we may be terrified at the thought of doing a presentation in front of the new boss.

So, we can react in various ways, as I said, using the example of the stupid driver.

But that is nothing compared with very strong emotional reactions when much more is at stake. We may become aggressive and furious and that is when danger lurks. Why?

Because that is when we are likely to make a bad decision which we will probably regret later on. So, it all boils down to how we react and how we control our emotions.

Lucky children can get away with tantrums, kicking and biting. As adults, we do not have that luxury!

So, how did I get help with my emotions? I had a very good counselor who taught me various tricks of the trade, so to speak.

1. You know what is going to happen, 90% of the time!

First, she told me to always predict certain situations and also to prepare my reactions to them. In that way, I could see the situation coming and I had a few calm, sometimes sarcastic replies up my sleeve.

But negative reactions such as getting angry, yelling and banging the door were out. Who is in control, she would ask me, you or your emotions?

2. Use these techniques to make a calm comeback

The second way she gave me help with my emotions was to suggest that I can use certain techniques that are explained very well in the video here about how to deal with insults in the workplace.

3. How you can control your anger

Anger management can be a real challenge. It is also damaging our health and can really affect our relationships negatively. Watch the video here where you will learn about 4 steps:-

1. Control your breathing

2. Muscle relaxation

3. Write down what made you angry

4. Examine the context and analyze your anger

Finally, here are some great quotes to help you along the path of emotional control.

If you do not have control over your mouth, you will not have control over your future.” ― Germany Kent

“When you react, you let others control you. When you respond, you are in control.” ― Bohdi Sanders, Martial Arts Wisdom: Quotes, Maxims, and Stories for Martial Artists and Warriors

“You are in control of your life, when you refuse to be provoked.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita, The Alphabets of Success: Passion Driven Life

You might be interested to read how many people are unable to control their anger and hatred but we can all make our contribution.

Self Improvement
Psychology
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness
Anger
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