It’s very important to learn how to understand your emotions in order to relate better with other people, to know what you really want and to make the right choices. Knowing what you are feeling and why is called emotional awareness, and even though it comes easier to some people than others, it’s a skill that everyone can practice. Being in touch with your feelings will make you a better individual, a better partner, a better friend and a better parent. An emotion can be defined as an illustration of your feelings, it’s also an instinctive response to your circumstances and it can be an indicative of your desires and thoughts. Once you’re able to read them, you’ll unlock much about yourself. Here are a few tips on how to get in touch with your emotions that will help you live a happier life:
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1. Notice Your Emotions
The first thing you should do in order to increase your emotional awareness is to notice your emotions as you feel them and then, to try to name them. For example, you could say, “I’m proud of myself” when you do something well or that “I feel friendly” when you are eating lunch with your colleagues.
2. Make Time to Get in Touch with Your Emotions
No matter how busy you are, try to find some time each day to get in touch with your emotions. Try to discover what’s underneath that mask that you show to other people. You can do that by spending some alone time each day doing the things you love, like going for a walk in nature, listening to your favorite tunes, meditating or simply admiring the beauty that this world has to offer.
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3. Track One Emotion
Pick one emotion each day (like joy, for example) and track it throughout that entire day. Try to notice how often you feel it and which events trigger it. When that emotion shows up, think about what you are doing, whom you are with and where you are. Also notice if that emotion is strong, mild or moderate or if it has different intensities depending on certain factors.
4. Identify the Cause of Your Emotions
When you are experiencing an emotion, try to identify the cause of that feeling by asking yourself why you feel this way. Examine the thoughts that go through your head when you experience that emotion and try to figure out what caused it. Emotions are usually a response to certain stimuli, so identify that cause of your emotion and see what you can do to improve your well-being.
5. Build Your Emotional Vocabulary
Have you ever thought about how many emotions you can name? Just go through the alphabet and name one emotion for each letter. By being aware that there is such a wide range of emotional states, you’ll be able to figure out more quickly how you are feeling and why.
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6. Keep a Feelings Journal
Spend a few minutes each day noticing your emotions and then write them down in a journal. This will build your emotional awareness and it will help you express your emotions in a more creative way. Also, you can write poetry, paint or compose music that will capture a specific emotion that you are experiencing.
7. Take a Break from Your Feelings
I’m not saying that you should deny or neglect your feelings; just that every now and then, try to take a small break from your emotions because sometimes, feelings can be overwhelming. You need to come back to them later when you are rested and even though your feelings might have changed a bit in the meantime, try to get in touch with them so you can live a happier life.
In order to increase your emotional awareness you should express and release your feelings, you should try to see the good in people, allow your emotions be your guide, not your identity, and open your mind to new possibilities. Do you know any other tips on how to get in touch with your emotions? Do tell!
Sources:
kalimunro.com
kidshealth.org
psychologytoday.com
notesonbliss.com
pickthebrain.com
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