Steps to Better Emotional Resilience
When it comes to developing emotional resilience, one of the most effective strategies is to understand how different emotions operate.
By gaining clarity on the distinct characteristics and “equations” (ie. the “how-to”) of each emotion, you can better navigate and process them.
Understanding Feelings vs. Emotions
A critical distinction to understand is the difference between feelings and emotions. Feelings are physical sensations that come and go, while emotions are bodily sensations paired with thoughts.
It is the combination of these thoughts and unique sensations that creates distinct emotions in each of us. Recognizing this difference is key to understanding how to manage and process your emotional experiences.
Here are some essential steps to building emotional resilience in your daily life:
Step 1: Understand and Articulate Emotions
The first step is to recognize that emotions need to be articulated to be processed effectively.
For instance, anger and outrage are two emotions that, while seemingly similar, operate very differently. Understanding these differences is crucial.
By having the ability to clearly identify and articulate your emotions, you lay the groundwork for effective emotional processing.
Step 2: Create Space to Pause and Acknowledge
When you're experiencing an emotion, it's vital to create the spaciousness to pause and acknowledge what you're feeling.
This step is essential and should not be skipped.
Taking a moment to identify the specific emotion you're experiencing helps in managing it more effectively.
Step 3: Put Words Around Your Experience
Once you have identified the emotion, work with the equation of that emotion to put words around your experience.
By naming the emotion and describing your experience, you gain control and clarity over your emotional state.
Building emotional resilience can be expedited by incorporating a structure into your approach to understanding and processing your emotions. By clearly articulating your emotions, creating space to pause and acknowledge them, and putting words around your experiences, you can navigate your emotional landscape more effectively.
Remember, emotions are not just fleeting feelings; they are complex interactions between thoughts and bodily sensations. Embrace these steps to enhance your emotional resilience and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
