Emotions — Blog — Courage to Caregivers

“You feel angry? … You feel great? … This too shall pass.” – Tom Hanks

You probably know that we’re all about empowerment at Courage to Caregivers. And one of the best ways we can empower ourselves is by truly understanding our feelings and emotions – what we feel, why we feel that way, and how to keep our emotions from gaining control over us.

By learning to regulate our emotions, we are able to get back to our emotional center. This doesn’t mean we should try to suppress our feelings or pretend they don’t exist. We’re talking about recognizing our emotions for what they are – natural, instinctive responses that are neither good nor bad in and of themselves. It’s how we act after feeling those emotions that makes all the difference.

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 7, 2024Regulating Emotions, Emotions, 90-Second Rule

The Wave of Emotions

One of our favorite visualization techniques is to think of emotions like waves in the ocean. They’re always coming and going … they’re neither good nor bad … and they don’t last long. Some emotions may make us feel uncomfortable, but if we view them like waves, it can be easier to let go of them. Watch them go away like the waves going back out to sea.

Inhale … exhale … let go.

Now you have freed up space in your mind and heart that you can fill with positive and helpful feelings such as happiness, contentment, hope, and excitement.

That little exercise is one way of regulating emotions.

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 2, 2023Emotions, Emotional Self-Control, Regulating Emotions

In the Time It Takes to Read This, You Can Regain Self-Control

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that we can’t control other people or their emotions, feelings, or actions. We can only control OUR responses and what WE do.

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 17, 2022Emotional Self-Control, Emotions

Mindfulness and the 90-Second Rule

As caregivers, we see a lot of curveballs, and so much is OUT of our control. It’s good to know that when it comes to your response to your own emotions, YOU are the one who is in control!

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 18, 2021Mindfulness, Emotional Self-Control, Emotions, Notice, Self-Regulation

Staying in Control

Mindfulness – being connected to the present moment and facing this moment only, without worrying about the future or being consumed by strong feelings about the past. By being fully present and not being overwhelmed by the world around us, we become better able to control our emotions.

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 4, 2021Self-Regulation, Mindfulness, Behaviors, Emotions, Thoughts