Emotions are truly felt physically. Whether it is a lump in our throats, butterflies in our stomachs or our hearts beating fast; each physiological response our bodies have tells us that we are experiencing a different emotion. Being able to regulate our emotions allows us to have a sense of control over our bodies and the way we respond to things. Knowing how to regulate our emotions can also help us make clearer decisions during an intense emotional state without becoming overwhelmed.
Picture emotion regulation as being a mental muscle. The more it is worked out, the stronger it will be. Regulating our emotions can assist us with coping with day to day life stressors, developing stronger communication skills and further enhancing our own self awareness. There are many ways to practice emotion regulation on a daily basis; such as mindfulness, deep breathing, positive self talk, journal writing, physical exercise and using positive reframing. Try discussing these methods with your own professional mental health clinician for further insight!
Interested in teaching children about emotional regulation skills? Check out our "In My Feelings" Emotion Regulation Flashcards available for purchasing now.
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