Manage your emotions and stay present.

In the past two years, since the pandemic started, we’ve all had to spend a lot more time with ourselves. Personally this has helped me sit down with my feelings, acknowledge them and accept them without reacting. This is a big step forward from running away from discomfort and numbing uncomfortable feelings, which I have done a lot in the past.

Uncomfortable feelings can feel truly unbearable for a little while, but they will pass, as long as we acknowledge them and do not bury them with guilt, shame or activity. Brene Brown has written extensively on the subject, and if this is an area where you struggle, I highly recommend her books.

Here are my top emotional management cues, for when we know we are feeling something, but aren’t sure what to do about it:

Silencing the noise
- What is really happening here that is upsetting me?
- Is this something I can or should control? (Because if not, let’s stop thinking about it and get on with our own life.)
- If so, what is one thing I can do to help the situation?

Awareness
-How do I feel?
-Where do I feel it?
-Is it time to move my body?

Discomfort
-Consistency over intensity. (For those moments when we want to do all the things in one day.)
-The only way out is through. (For those moments when we want to run away.)
-Slow down your breathing. (It brings peace.)
-This too shall pass. (For when we’re really not looking forward to something.)

Getting unstuck
-As long as we’re alive, we have options. (For when we feel stuck and need to think of ways forward.)
-Find the one thing to do next that will make the biggest difference. (For those ‘what do I do now’ moments)

Does any of this sound useful? Do you use any of these cues? Let me know.