TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONS: MASTER EMOTIONAL REGULATION FOR LASTING CHANGE!

Hello, sweet friends! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been resonating deeply with me lately: emotional regulation. It’s a term that might not sound glamorous, but its impact on our lives, especially as women navigating personal and professional spaces, is profound.

UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Emotional regulation is a skill that many of us may overlook but desperately need, especially during challenging times. If you’re like me, you’ve had those moments where you’ve acted out of alignment with your higher self, whether through anger, frustration, or negative self-talk. Often, these responses are rooted in old stories that trigger us—stories from our childhood that resurface in new situations, leading us to doubt ourselves and our capabilities.

Key takeaways

• Recognizing triggers: Emotional regulation starts with awareness. We must learn to identify the triggers that send us spiraling into negative thoughts. It’s essential to notice when we’re feeling dysregulated before we react.
• Allowing emotions to flow: When emotions arise, it’s crucial to let them be felt and expressed. Whether through a tantrum, physical movement, or vocalizing frustrations, allowing these feelings to flow prevents them from getting stuck in our bodies. It’s REALLY important that we learn to regulate and process our own emotions ON OUR OWN or with a paid professional and not dump them on our friends or family as they don’t actually know what to do with them, and it often makes things worse
• Grounding practices: Simple breathwork can help ground us when we feel overwhelmed. A few intentional breaths can center us and reconnect us with our sovereign selves. The most common practice you might choose here is a simple box breast, inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, release for 4 counts and hold again for 4, repeat that pattern for 2-3 minutes. An alternative to that is to inhale fully through the nose, pause for a second and exhale slowly from the mouth , repeat 10- 20 times.
• Creating a toolbox: Building a toolkit of strategies to manage our emotions is vital. This includes breathwork, meditation, movement, and other somatic practices that resonate with us.
• Applying emotional regulation: Emotional regulation isn’t just about personal peace; it’s about empowering ourselves in relationships and challenging conversations. Knowing when to express emotions and when to hold back can significantly impact our interactions.

Standout stories and examples

One example that resonates is the metaphor of a child trying to learn a challenging skill, like playing the violin, while perhaps facing discouragement from a sibling, friend or even parent…” you’re not a violin player…. stick to what you’re good at… youre an artist” ( as an example) ……For instance, as an entrepreneur, you might find yourself struggling with a technical aspect of your business, hearing echoes of that childhood narrative: "you’re not a tech person." Recognizing that these thoughts stem from past experiences allows us to confront them with compassion and understanding.This beautifully illustrates how old wounds and stories can resurface in adulthood, particularly when we’re faced with new challenges.

For instance, as an entrepreneur, you might find yourself struggling with a technical aspect of your business, hearing echoes of that childhood narrative: "you’re not a tech person." Recognizing that these thoughts stem from past experiences allows us to confront them with compassion and understanding.

Personal reflections 

As a somatic breathwork facilitator and embodiment coach, I find that emotional regulation is foundational to the work I do. It's not just about managing feelings; it's about transforming them into empowering tools for growth.

In my practice, I often witness clients embracing their emotions fully, allowing themselves to feel and process what’s arising within. This not only leads to a sense of release but also cultivates a deeper connection to their true selves. It’s empowering to see women learn that they can handle their emotions and create a life aligned with their values and desires.

Actionable insights for everyday life

• Practice mindfulness: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness to connect with your emotions and notice any underlying feelings.
• Create space for expression: Find healthy outlets for your emotions—be it journaling, dancing, or breathwork. Allow yourself to express without judgment.
• Utilize breathwork: Integrate breathwork into your routine. Even just a few deep breaths can anchor you during moments of dysregulation.
• Reflect on triggers: Keep a journal to note when you feel triggered and what stories arise. This can help you identify patterns and work through them consciously.
• Connect with community: Engage with supportive communities or programs, like my breathwork membership, where you can share your experiences and grow together.

Final Thoughts

Emotional regulation may not be the most glamorous topic, but it holds the key to living a more empowered and authentic life.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this topic, I invite you to listen to my podcast episode where I explore emotional regulation further. You can listen here.