Emotions stir inside people every day and, this silent pull ends up dictating their life.
At times, we bottle up feelings and set them aside because we cannot say what we really want to in the current situation. In certain instances, we think our emotional reaction is abnormal and that no one will understand.
We forget all about our emotions and just plan to come back to them at some point. We ignore them for as long as possible, or until our neglect leads to a total meltdown. Research has proven that suppression tends to cause more harm than good. Negative emotions can drag you down, especially when helplessness kicks in.
It leads to depression, anxiety, anger, loneliness and a slew of new problems to deal with. Your risks of serious mental and physical problems are drastically increased, the longer you bottle up your emotions.
It is a destructive habit. But, like all habits, it can be broken.
Here are a few steps to show you how to release pent up emotions and live a more positive, healthy and happy life.
Examine Your Feelings
Figure out how you feel, why that rude comment from your co-worker upset you or why driving in rush hour traffic makes you feel annoyed, and get to know what makes you tick.
Accepting and understanding your emotions will allow you to truly know yourself. This, in essence, will help you live happier and healthier.
Admit that you have emotions and that how you feel matters, rather than setting your emotions on the back burner. You may think that showing your emotions can make you look weak. In reality, however, it is denying you have emotions that does.
Prioritise
You do not want to care about what other people think. You have probably even told yourself that you do not have an inkling or concern about their thoughts. It is simply not true. Everyone cares about what others think.
The trick is to prioritise what you care about and, most importantly, whose opinion matters.
The author Brene Brown, said it best: “When you do not care at all what anyone thinks, you lose the capacity to connect. If you are defined by what people say, you lose the courage to be vulnerable.”
If you reach one extreme or the other, you will notice a total shutdown. You will produce little, motivation will slip and you will wind up minimising your impact.
Do you really care what the supermarket cashier or your postman thinks? What about your parents, wife, children, friends or co-workers? How about your boss? Make your list and ignore what everyone excluded from the list thinks.
Learn how to Release Pent Up Emotions and Take Action
Express your emotions in calculated reactions by doing something. This is not the time for procrastination or excuses.
In step 1, you should have decided how you would like to react to specific situations or scenarios. For example, by keeping your cool or expressing your emotions in positive and proactive ways.
Although it is easier said than done, letting your frustrations out in beneficial methods can actually help keep you from hitting your breaking point. Doing is achieving. You can do all the planning in the world but you have to back it up with action. The time is now.
It is much better to let out your emotions with a hobby. Write, listen to or create music. You can pray or even meditate. All of these activities have countless studies that prove how valuable they are, especially in dealing with emotions.
You can also practice gratitude. It can help build better relationships, networks, career prospects and even belongingness.
Hundreds of studies have demonstrated how expressing gratitude can change lives. Its benefits include getting better sleep, having more energy, being happier, healthier and have more resilient days when something unexpected pops up.
Speak Up
There will be times when you will feel something is out of your control, but keep in mind that you are never helpless. Speaking your thoughts will allow you to feel like you, your ideas, dreams, goals, challenges and accomplishments matter to other people.
Ever wonder why a dream vacation is more exciting when you are telling your best friend about your plans? Or why you feel more proud about winning first place in the 4k mile run when you celebrate your accomplishment with loved ones?
The answer is simple. We need someone to care.
Do not be afraid to talk to your friends, family or even pets. If there is something bothering you, get it off your chest. Knowing how to release pent up emotions is not that hard. You just have to learn to voice your concerns, desires, and emotions. If you are not sure why you feel so miserable, talking things out can help you figure out the real issue.
Talk to nature if there is no ear available to listen or, for some reason, you are too embarrassed to tell a real human. Just drop that emotional burden and move on.
Never Stop Learning
Increasing your emotional competence does not happen overnight. You must learn and work daily to better yourself and improve your life. Keep in mind that there is always room for improvement.
Never stop learning how to grow and better yourself. The moment you do, is when you stop truly living. Life is a magical mystery and it should be enjoyed with a smile on your face.
Emotional competency does not mean you must only feel positive emotions. It also involves understanding how to better manage your emotions and why it is a never ending process. You must learn to make your life easier despite it being ever changing.
Read constantly. Keep up with your favourite self improvement sites and publications. Find authors you can relate to, perhaps with the same struggles and learn from them.
People love to share what they have learned, so be open to listening to those around you. Even if you do not entirely admire their opinions, you will still learn.
Finally, remember that it is okay to feel your emotions, that some days you do not have to be happy and that you can take control of your life. But, do not take things too far to the point that you will not go out of bed or shower for a week.
Do not let your emotions take over or linger. As much as possible, try not dwell on your problems. Address them right away and do something constructive to make the situation better before you react.
You have the power.
With thanks to Brit Haines https://www.dumblittleman.com/how-to-release-pent-up-emotions/
