Your emotions are kind of like your own broadcast system, telling you how you're feeling in different situations.
You may feel fear during a scary movie or joy when someone you love smiles at you.
But sometimes emotions can feel intense.
And you may not feel like you have any control over them.
When you lose control of your emotions, you may do or say something you'll regret later.
But you can learn how to manage your emotional reactions.
Here are five ways to do that.
One: Take a moment to just focus on breathing.
Are you feeling anxiety because of a big job interview?
Focusing on your breath can help you slow down so you can think calmly about how to respond to an emotion.
To do this, try to find a quiet place where you can sit for a few minutes and just notice how the air feels in your lungs and chest.
Two: Name your emotions. But try not to judge them.
Just think about the physical sensations you're having, like a faster heartbeat or a feeling of heat in your face.
Let's say you're feeling guilt about forgetting your friend's birthday.
Instead of replaying that moment in your head, try to observe and label your feelings without acting on them.
Three: Find a way to express your emotions creatively.
You can write about them in a journal, draw pictures, or play music.
Did some good news trigger your urge to go on a shopping spree that you couldn't afford?
Finding a way to express your emotions will help you recognize those different feelings and learn to understand them.
And maybe that will help you avoid reacting to them in a way you'll regret later.
Four: Try to think of your emotions as things that are temporary.
Maybe you're feeling discouraged about the way things are right now.
Remind yourself that your feelings will come and go.
Try to imagine your emotions as a puffy cloud drifting across the sky or a leaf floating down a stream, here for a moment before moving along.
Five: Act the opposite of how you'd normally react.
Do you usually honk or shout at someone who cuts you off in traffic?
The next time that happens, see if you can try the reverse of what you'd normally do.
Smile or wave, and just let that person get in front of you.
This isn't about faking your feelings.
It's about learning how to shift your reactions when you're in emotional situations.
Remember, having emotions means you're human.
It's okay to have feelings, and it's okay to let yourself feel them.
But learning how to react when those feelings come up can help you stay on course.
