Do Your Emotions Seem To Take Over?

Welcome back! Hopefully we have made it through the majority of the snow for the season! I know this time of year can be especially difficult for people due to less sunlight and "cabin fever". 

One question I hear frequently is "Why does my rational side seem to disappear when I am feeling big emotions?". The answer is because it is how our brain is wired. Part of our brain (the limbic part) is designed to keep us safe, which means reacting in times of danger. The bad part about this is that it has a difficult time deciphering between safety and big "negative" emotion.

When we experience a situation that leads to big emotions, our limbic system is activated, and the part of our brain responsible for rational thinking, problem solving, impulse control, and decision making starts to turn off (our pre-frontal cortex). Because of this, we forget what we "know" and react based on what we feel. As you probably know, this is not always good, nor accurate.

So what can we do to help get our rational mind back online? One great way is by using grounding techniques. 

"Ground down" is a great phrase to remember when feelings are big. 

This means we want to focus on the present here and now. Try using your 5 senses to become aware of your surroundings and describe them to yourself:

Sight- What do you see? Colors? Objects?

Sound- What do you hear? Music? Noises?

Touch- What can you feel around you? Texture? Cool vs warm?

Smell- What can you smell? Is there a good smell? A bad smell? Try using an essential oil or scented lotion to help

Taste- Can you take a bite of something or chew gum? How does it taste?

Other ways to help your rational mind come back online can include taking deep breaths, listening to relaxing music, counting slowly to whatever number you need to, or using movement (stretching or going for a walk). 

I recommend keeping these ideas near you (a post it note or a list in your phone) so you can remind yourself of things that help next time emotions are big. 

Thanks for reading and being in connection with me,

Steph