EMOTIONS

Emotions are like the waves in an ocean; calm waters or giant waves, either high or low tides and play an important role in our lives. How we feel can often affect our decisions; both positive and negative emotions can be enormous motivators.

Processing negative emotions is difficult and we often put those aside until we feel more capable of dealing with them. Stuffing these emotions makes them easier to avoid and not dealing with them leads to a variety of other issues including, substance abuse, and stress, overworking and focusing on other people’s problems.

This emotional baggage is real and although it may not be able to be seen can affect your success, health and happiness. These “bags” can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Logic says when our emotions are positive, life is more manageable but when they are negative we see or experience life in a “glass half empty” way.

So how do you deal with negative emotions and create a more positive attitude.

Change your thinking – if you view what someone says as an attack, you will become defensive. By changing your thinking to one of maybe they are trying to help, you will be able to feel more positive and learn from the experience

Know that you are in control – Your emotions do not have to be the dictator of your life. If you are aware of your thoughts, you can gain control of them and calm the waters. Become aware, assess the problem and take corrective action

Stay grounded – Do not let anyone’s perception of you influence the way you feel about yourself – remember it is their viewpoint; they may be having a bad day and therefore their opinion may be skewed.

Don’t suppress – Listen to your emotions –show your feelings when they occur whether they are happy or sad. Those who say they are always positive, have no issues and things are going well are not being true to themselves or others. It is all right to let those around you know when you are having a bad day – by admitting that you are showing you are “real”.

Be positive – Negativity affects your mood and emotions. See the positive side in any situation (there always is one). Have gratitude for everything and everyone you have in your life.

Breathe – When stressed – breathe- try not to react to any given situation – step back, take a breath and ask yourself why you are getting stressed. Once you figure out the reason you can take steps to deal with it.

Take care of yourself – Love and care for yourself everyday – know how to destress and use the tools you have to do that

Get back up – We all lose it at times – we fly off the handle, get worked up and scream and cry. It happens to the best of us and it’s ok. Apologise if necessary, learn from it and forgive yourself. Keep moving forward in the direction of being whole

 Do not let your emotions distract you from doing what needs to be done – control your emotions so your emotions do not control you