What Is Emotional Regulation? Tips for Finding Balance
A person can experience a variety of different emotions each day: happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy, disgust, anxiety, and more.
Emotions help shape our various experiences and interactions. Despite experiencing emotions each and every day, they can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. When a person experiences an influx of different emotions, they can be difficult to manage. This can lead to the nervous system becoming more active and a person experiencing dysregulated emotions.
Let's learn more about emotional regulation and how finding balance is possible.
What Is Emotional Regulation?
Emotional regulation describes a person's ability to control and manage their emotions. This also includes identifying, understanding, and responding to these emotions in a positive and healthy way. When a person experiences difficulty regulating their emotions, it can lead to emotional dysregulation. This can lead to emotional outbursts, mood swings, impulsive decision-making, and feeling out of control of your own body.
Tips for Finding Balance
If you're struggling with managing your emotions, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are even tips, tricks, and lifestyle changes that you can implement to better manage your emotions moving forward.
Identify Your Triggers
One of the best ways to find balance is to try to identify those emotional triggers. Once you have a better idea of the areas of your life that are causing you to feel a certain way, you can work towards avoiding or better preparing for these triggers the next time around. Make sure you're paying attention to your thoughts and feelings throughout your day, so you can pinpoint what activities, events, or interactions are causing your emotions to feel out of whack.
Connect With Nature
Being outside and connecting with nature can positively influence your mind. The next time you feel anxious or stressed, try going for a walk outside, gardening, or just sitting outside. Nature can help soothe and help keep you grounded. If you're unable to get outside, opening your windows can have a similar effect in that it helps you get exposed to fresh air and natural sunlight.
Deep Breathing
When a person experiences anxiety or stress, their breathing can alter. You can bring your breathing back to a normal state by practicing deep breathing techniques to help regulate and slow down that breathing again. By taking the time to focus on inhaling and exhaling, you're telling your body and brain that everything is okay. There are many breathing techniques out there. Try a few out and see what works best for you!
Mindfulness
A lot of anxiety stems from worrying about past or future events. Mindfulness can be a great way to help bring your body and mind back to the present moment and keep you grounded. Meditation is one of the many mindfulness techniques out there that can help you better observe and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings in a judgment-free way.
Move Your Body
Exercise is known for its physical benefits, but it can also be extremely beneficial for one's overall mental health and wellness. Engaging in physical activity like going for a walk, lifting at the gym, or doing yoga or stretching can help improve your mood and reduce any stress or anxiety that you may have been experiencing.
Seek Professional Help
Even if you don't think you can talk about how you're feeling, often one of the best ways to release any pent-up emotions or feelings is by talking them out. Consider reaching out to a trusted loved one. A mental health professional who is familiar with anxiety and managing emotions can also be a great resource. Plus, they'll be able to work with you to help you identify any triggers as well as help you work through the various signs and symptoms you're experiencing. Don't delay getting the help you need and deserve. Reach out today to set up a consultation for anxiety or trauma counseling.
