Emotional regulation

Lately, I have been contemplating emotional regulation, which involves the capacity to adjust or manage one's emotional state.

Thankfully, there is an increasing focus on communication, particularly in the job market. I have observed a rise in courses tailored for supervisors that highlight the importance of the "human" side of management, aiming to enhance morale and foster a positive workplace culture. One such course I saw recently advertised instructs individuals on managing emotions and maintaining equilibrium in communication, among other skills.

Learning about my emotions has been incredibly beneficial for me. It has enhanced my self-awareness and improved my communication skills. However, emotional regulation is often overlooked in discussions and education. Emotional regulation is a crucial skill that individuals should develop early in life. Yet, many have not had the opportunity due to their parent's lack of emotional intelligence, preventing them from effectively guiding their children.

The responsibility does not lie with the parents or guardians, as they also did not acquire emotional management skills from their parents due to the historical focus on survival without the opportunity to address and communicate emotions. However, with the current abundance of resources, we can prioritize considerations beyond mere survival.

To learn emotional management, we should start by providing classes for parents-to-be, who will raise the future generation. Additionally, integrating emotional management into the kindergarten and teacher education curriculum is crucial, as these individuals interact closely with children. Lastly, educating adults on emotional management is essential for improving their relationships with others.

Emotions impact every aspect of life as they surface during interactions with loved ones and the general public. Acquiring skills in emotional regulation has the potential to significantly improve various aspects of individuals' daily lives. Many individuals struggle in their relationships due to a lack of awareness regarding the influence of their emotions on their responses to daily occurrences.

Managing emotions requires refraining from reacting impulsively when feeling upset. The initial response to an unexpected event can be intense, but acting based on emotional turmoil is unproductive. It is crucial to practice self-calming techniques to allow emotions to subside, enabling a clear assessment of the situation and a balanced response later.

Changing involuntary reactions is challenging, but various tools, such as meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and self-awareness, can help. These tools aid in understanding oneself better and recognizing one's sensitivities.

On a personal level, I recognize that I feel uneasy when I sense condescension or a lack of understanding from others. This makes me feel invisible and ignored, so I need to be mindful in my interactions to avoid feeling offended.

Individuals often respond negatively, even upon realizing that an event is harmless because their initial reactions are influenced by past traumas and experiences. This frequently results in misunderstandings, creating communication challenges with partners, children, friends, supervisors, or coworkers. Therefore, investing effort in mastering emotional regulation is valuable, both on an individual level and collectively as a society.