How to Be in Charge of Your Emotions

One of the most basic characteristics of humans is our distinct ability to feel passionately, although this talent is not always demonstrated in our favor. While teenagers and young children are often considered to have difficulty controlling their emotions, the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, may have a hard time taking charge of their feelings. While emotions and feelings are not wrong, it is important to control your emotions so they don't take over your life.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to your feelings. Before you can control your emotions, you need to realize what emotions you're feeling. Try to notice when you start to feel angry or sad. Take a moment to think about why you feel that way and if your reaction is an appropriate one. For example, if you start to get upset that your friend can't go to a movie, think about what specific emotion you feel. If you feel angry, perhaps you wonder if your friend still cares about you or you imagine she is ignoring you.

• 2

  Consider the consequences of overreacting. Perhaps you feel upset during a business meeting and begin to get angry. Before you react to a snide comment, consider the possible repercussions of your reaction. While you may feel angry, irritated or even sad, take a moment to breathe deeply and remember that an outburst could have negative consequences for your career future.

• 3

  Write in a journal, diary or notebook to monitor your feelings and to express yourself in a safe, relaxed space. No one needs to read your thoughts, so you can feel free to be completely honest with yourself. Sometimes just letting your feelings out helps you see your situation in a new light. If you want to express anger, go ahead and scream alone in a room or a car. Let it all out and then relax.

• 4

  Take steps to relax yourself throughout the day and when you begin to feel emotional. Take a walk, exercise, ride your bike, go on a hike, play a board game, listen to music or relax in a bubble bath. If you begin to feel your emotions start to rage out of control around people, excuse yourself from the situation so you can calm down for a few moments and take charge of your feelings.