Managing Emotions: Step Three
Strategies for Managing Emotions
Now that you have looked at how you currently react to your emotions, let’s look at some ways to actively manage your emotions:
- Look at the cause. Emotions are a sign of something else going on. What’s behind the emotion? What are you actually reacting to? Finding this answer may help make your emotional reactions make more sense and seem more manageable.
- Put the emotion and the circumstance into perspective. Will this situation matter tomorrow? Next week? How much energy should you give to it right now?
- What are your choices and their consequences? Try to think about ways you can react and think of the consequences each choice might bring about.
- React positively instead of negatively. Think of a healthy outlet for this emotion: Can you exercise or talk with a trusted friend, rather than punching a wall or gossiping?
- Seek help. If you can’t seem to get beyond your negative or unhealthy feelings, go to a counselor or friend and see what help is available.
Can you think of any other strategies that might work or have worked for you?
