Is_984111_healthyemotresp

How We React

We all find ourselves in different situations daily that we respond to emotionally. Interactions with our friends, families and co-workers cause us to feel and express a range of emotions like happiness, sadness, anger and excitement all in the same day. There are times we can feel overwhelmed and respond inappropriately. When this becomes a pattern it is likely to impact our quality of life and relationships. It is important that our responses, both feelings and behaviors match the situation. How we perceive, interpret and then respond to situations is an indication of how emotionally healthy we are.

What is a Healthy Emotional Response?

A healthy emotional response means that you can appropriately adjust your responses to each unique situation. It means being in touch with your thoughts and feelings, and in control of your behavior so that your feelings are in line with the situation. If we over-react or disconnect we are likely to create situations that cause distress and are unproductive. Being adaptive means being emotionally flexible, able to access a wide range of emotion, knowing what emotion is appropriate, and knowing when and how to control emotional intensity. Healthy emotional responses are key to everyday wellness.

 

 

TIPS

How to Handle Conflict
  • Use 'I' statements when describing the problem. This will help you to avoid criticizing or placing blame, which can make the other person angry or resentful — and increase tension. For instance, say, “I’m upset and overwhelmed with doing the housework myself. Would it be possible for you to help me?”
  • Don't hold a grudge. If you can forgive the other person, it will help you both. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want.
  • Use humor to release tensions. Lightening up a tense moment can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.
  • Practice relaxation skills. Learning skills which help you de-stress can also help control your temper when it may flare up. Practice deep-breathing exercises, visualize a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase to yourself, such as "Take it easy." Other proven ways to ease anger include listening to music, writing in a journal and doing yoga.

Dealing with your emotions

Express your feelings. It's important to let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness or anger inside drains energy and can cause problems in your relationships.

Think before you act. Give yourself time to think before you let yourself get carried away by powerful emotions. You just might prevent yourself from saying or doing something you might regret.

Strive for balance in your life. Take steps to manage the demands of your work and home life. Take time to notice the positive things in your life. Your mood will improve.

Care for your physical health. Take care of your body by exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep. Don't abuse drugs or alcohol.

Join a support group.There are group networks available, such as Emotions Anonymous (EA), a 12-step program designed to help people overcome emotional problems such as relationship difficulties, compulsive behavior, jealousy, worry and depression.

You may want to find out about