Our turbulent world of emotions

Exploring our emotional mindscape

Emotions are powerful. They affect our mood that determine the way we interact with people, our spending pattern and more.. They are inevitable like the waves that rise and fall. It is convenient to label these feelings as “good” or “bad,” but this binary thinking overlooks the complexity of our emotional landscape. For instance, at times we feel a sense of unease before a big event. Its root cause lies in our own self doubt. Emotions are better seen as signals to be understood rather than problems to be solved.

How to manage our emotions

Emotions are a natural and powerful part of being human, but they can also be overwhelming if not properly managed.Managing emotions is a complex and deeply personal journey.The key to emotional management lies in self-awareness, understanding, and healthy expression. Self awareness is about labeling our emotions whereby we acknowledge what we experience at that moment, such as anxiety, frustration or impatience. Unaddressed emotional wounds are likely to get worse over time, and suppressing them can make us develop unhealthy habits. However, though it is important to acknowledge one’s feelings, we should not end up being controlled by them.

It is crucial to understand the root of our emotions. Often, our feelings are linked to underlying thoughts, beliefs, or past experiences. By digging deeper, we can understand why we feel the way we do and address the real issue at hand. This understanding helps us respond rather than react, leading to healthier outcomes.The strategy of reframing our thoughts is also helpful.Sometimes, the easiest way to gain a different perspective is to take a step back and ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend who had this problem?” Other ways to manage emotions include deep breathing and journaling. Trying to distract oneself can be yet another route. Lastly, being patient and kind to oneself, one can build emotional resilience and manage emotions better.

 

Practising in real life

Hobbies like meditation, reading books and drawing have helped many to become better at managing emotions. Such relaxing activities help us deal with overwhelming emotions. Seeking help from our elders, our friends or our parents, throwing open the doors of communication prove useful when dealing with our emotions. During particularly stressful periods like exams, using simple techniques like deep breathing and positive affirmations help to keep our emotions in check. These practices keep us balanced and resilient, empowering us to handle challenging situations with more confidence.

 

The last word

Gaining control over our emotions helps us become mentally stronger, and leading a balanced and fulfilling life. Mastering emotional management enables us face challenges with resilience, build stronger relationships, and maintain inner peace.

Healthy expression of emotions is vital. Bottling up emotions can lead to stress and emotional outbursts, while expressing them in a controlled and constructive manner can lead to resolution and personal growth. This might involve talking to someone we trust, writing down our feelings, or engaging in activities that help release pent-up emotions, such as exercise or creative hobbies.It is a journey worth taking, one that has the potential to enrich every aspect of our lives and the lives of those around us.

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from St.Joseph’s High School, Matigara, Darjeeling: Adwita Tamang, Aafreen Hussain, Divija Kar Sarkar, Megheshna Ghosh and Shrestha Chakraborty.