As we go through life and attempt to achieve our goals, we must use different emotions to communicate with our colleagues, family, friends and also outsiders. Unfortunately, most of the time, we tend to be unaware of the emotions we are sending out.
The problem with this is that humans are social beings, and we are built to pick up on these seemingly micro-scale energies. When we don’t know how to properly use or control our emotions, it can lead to miscommunication, conflict and, therefore, a reduction in progress.
That’s why it’s vital that you stop using your emotions passively and start actively deciding which ones you believe are appropriate for certain situations.
If you’re not sure how to do this, don’t worry. It is a skill that can be learned with time and practice. Here are four tips on how to safely experiment with your emotions:
1. Get in touch with what you’re feeling
The first step is to get more attuned to the emotions you experience on a day-to-day basis. Start by observing your thoughts and bodily sensations when you feel different emotions.
2. Identify your triggers
Try to pinpoint what situations or activities trigger certain emotions in you. This will help you be more aware of when these emotions are likely to arise so that you can start to control them.
3. Don’t bottle things up
If you find yourself feeling negative emotions, don’t try to bottle them down. This will only make them worse in the long run. Instead, allow yourself to feel these emotions, but don’t dwell on them. Acknowledge them and then let them go.
4. Practice “mindfulness”
Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can be a helpful way to deal with negative emotions as they arise.