Managing and regulating emotions

Emotions are a wonderful gift that allows us to love, to get out of danger, accomplish goals and develop purpose. When emotions are well regulated, they benefit us and make our lives more fulfilling. Too much of any emotion can cause us to have physical health problems, relationship problems and regret missed opportunities.

A little bit of anxiety tells us that something isn’t quite right, that we should watch and be aware. We ask ourselves “what is this anxiety trying to tell me?”. Too much anxiety can cause our minds to never turn off or make us physically sick. Many gastro-intestinal, cardio symptoms and chronic insomnia can be traced to high levels of anxiety.

Feeling anger helps us recognize if our boundaries are being crossed and when we need to take steps to protect ourselves. Feeling too much anger can lead to physical altercations, abuse and broken relationships.

Feeling love allows us to open up to another person and to feel vulnerable and safe at the same time. Those feelings allow us to move between taking care of ourselves and caring for others. “Loving” someone at the expense of your own needs can lead to losing your sense of self and becoming co-dependent. Some find themselves having an intense fear that the other person may leave and you won’t be able to survive. The goal is to find a healthy balance between loving, feeling love and knowing who you are and what your needs are as an individual as well.