how to process an emotion *life-changing tips from a therapy veteran*

Summary

In this episode, the host delves into the crucial yet often overlooked skill of processing emotions, a skill not typically taught in schools. They share personal experiences and research-backed insights on how to acknowledge, validate, and process emotions to become an emotionally intelligent individual. The host outlines steps to deal with unprocessed trauma and suggests various methods like therapy, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, journaling, or engaging in creative activities. The episode aims to empower listeners to cultivate positive relationships and achieve mental well-being.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Acknowledge and name your emotions as the first step, which is often difficult due to distractions and avoidance behaviors.
• 🚫 Avoid using social media, video games, substances, and other distractions as means to escape from dealing with emotions.
• 🧘‍♂️ Practice sitting in silence for 5 minutes a day to check in with yourself and your emotions without any distractions.
• 🌅 Reflect on your day by identifying one good and one bad thing that happened to help process emotions and understand your feelings better.
• 🔍 Use an emotions chart to help identify and name the emotions you are experiencing, which can increase awareness and understanding.
• 🤝 Validate your feelings, understanding that emotions don't need justification and that it's okay to feel what you feel.
• 🚫 Beware of people who invalidate your emotions by dismissing them as overreactions or by comparing them to others' experiences.
• 🔄 Recognize that emotions will resurface but should feel lighter each time you process them, leading to a point where they no longer trigger you.
• 💪 Decide on how to respond when emotions are triggered in the future, whether it's confronting the person or choosing to distance yourself.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Employ healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, journaling, crafting, or cleaning to give your feelings a safe physical outlet.
• 💤 Ensure you get enough sleep as part of processing emotions, as the sleep also plays a role in emotional health.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

The main topic discussed in this episode is how to process emotions and the importance of emotional intelligence in daily life.

Why is it important to process emotions?

Processing emotions is important because bottling them up can lead to mental distress, strained relationships, and a lack of peace and emotional well-being.

What are some common distractions people use to avoid their emotions?

Common distractions include social media, video games, substances, partying, staying in toxic relationships, and filling up schedules to avoid confronting emotions.

What is the first step in processing an emotion according to the podcast?

The first step is to acknowledge and name the emotion, which involves recognizing when distractions are being used to avoid dealing with emotions.

What is the purpose of sitting in silence for 5 minutes a day?

Sitting in silence helps to hear your own thoughts without distractions, allowing you to become more aware of your emotions and what might be triggering them.

What does the speaker suggest for reflecting on your day?

The speaker suggests reflecting on one good and one bad thing that happened during the day to be more mindful of your emotional experiences.

What is the role of validation in processing emotions?

Validation is crucial as it helps individuals understand and accept their feelings without needing to justify them, counteracting past invalidation experiences.

Why is it important not to expect the emotion to never come up again?

It's important because emotions can resurface when triggered unknowingly by others. Expecting them not to return can lead to self-anger and hinder the processing of emotions.

What should be the response if someone hurts you and you acknowledge your feelings to them?

An appropriate response would be an apology that includes an intent not to repeat the hurtful action or to do better next time.

What is a healthy coping mechanism and why is it important?

A healthy coping mechanism is an activity that gives feelings a physical form in a safe way, helping to release emotions and keep the mind free to process them.

Can you give examples of healthy coping mechanisms mentioned in the podcast?

Examples include exercise, journaling, talking to someone, crafting, walking, cleaning, and taking showers.