
Emotional balance has been defined as the ability of the mind and body to maintain equilibrium and flexibility in the face of challenge and change. This is only achieved when we allow ourselves to feel every emotion deeply. Interestingly enough, as human beings we desire so much to only feel the “good feelings” and run away from negative emotions. But this only leaves us inadequate, especially when change shows up and we end up failing to grow. Feelings, whether good or bad, are important because they help us evaluate ourselves and what is happening around us.
I feel this is the perfect time to discuss emotional balance as 2020 is already almost over and considering how crazy this year has driven many people’s emotions we are not sure what 2021 has in store for us. People who have mastered the art of having an emotional balance tend to have a better way of dealing with different emotions and situations in their lives compared to those who have not. So, if 2020 has left you feeling off centre and disoriented, here are 4 steps to restoring your emotional balance.
Reflect
Take time to carefully think about what you are feeling and allow those emotions to be there without judging them right or wrong. This will help you give focus to your current situation and you will be able to interpret your emotions and reactions. Understanding your emotions on a much deeper level, will eventually improve your self-awareness and that will help you in improving the quality of your emotional balance.
Review
Examine the underlying causes of any emotional distress, pain or discomfort. Try to find the “why” behind the emotional imbalance. Carefully looking back over emotions for evaluation will get you to know how certain things are keeping you from being truly happy. Not only is this going to help you become aware of your emotions but will also help you build better relationships. This is because you are able to talk about your feelings more clearly and avoid or resolve conflicts better.
Resolve
Find the solution you need to begin moving back into emotional harmony. When you are aware of your feelings, approaching them with love and kindness can help you reduce anger towards yourself and those around you. If you are not able to choose a course of action and take your next step when it comes to your emotions, trust me you will face a lot of problems in your life. Find ways that work for you when you need to calm down and experience inner peace and rest despite the negative emotions.
Release
Now allow yourself to move past the negative or heavy emotions. When you deliberately make you mind up to live a purposeful life, it becomes easy for you to let go of negative emotions without worry. People who have positive aspirations have fewer reasons to be angry for the longest. Good habits are essential in minimizing and releasing anger or any negative emotion.
In his book “Overcoming Hurts & Anger: Finding Freedom from Negative Emotions” Dwight L. Carlson, M.D notes:
“many of us, particularly those of us with religious backgrounds, have been robbed of the right to negative emotions, especially the feeling of anger. This is comparable to a psychological rape, in which a vital part of our humanity is violated, leaving us with irreparable emotional damage.”
So I say, never shun negative emotions. Feel every emotion deeply, Reflect, Review, Resolve and finally Release. If you are ready to restore your emotional balance, pay attention to these 4 R’s.
Until next time,
Kate.
You can follow Kate on Instagram, twitter, and on her blog
This is a great post. 4 Rs, huh? When it’s catchy like that it sounds so simple but of course everything you talked about can be really difficult. Still necessary. Thanks for sharing x