Written by Jennifer Cox LCPC
Processing emotions can be a difficult task, but it is important to process our emotions in a healthy way in order to avoid negative consequences. There are various ways to move through this process, here is one way.
-Identify the emotion you are feeling. Ask yourself questions like: What am I feeling right now? Is it anger, sadness, frustration, anxiety, or something else?
-Once you have identified the emotion, you can then try to understand why you are feeling it, to help gain perspective. Is it related to something that happened recently or does it go back to a past experience?
-Now that you have identified and understand where it is coming from, acknowledge the emotion and allow yourself to feel it without judgement. It is important to not ignore or suppress the emotions. This will help you process it in a more constructive way, gain clarity, and develop understanding. So, take some time to think about why you are feeling the emotion and how it makes you feel.
-If feeling stuck throughout the process, try self talk or journaling to help work through these steps.
-Finally, practice self-care. This can include activities like meditation, getting outside, talking to a friend, engaging in a hobby, or doing something else that helps you relax and feel good. Taking some time for yourself to process your emotions can be very beneficial in helping you manage them in the future.
This may not always be easy, but it is an important part of living a healthy life. Taking the time to identify and understand your emotions can help you find ways to cope, heal, and manage difficult feelings. Talking with a mental health professional could help with this process. Reach out today at info@echcounseling.com or 815-363-0864.
