Feelings and emotions help us to navigate life. Helpful in identifying what we feel, think, and how we react in different situations. They help in disciplining life by ensuring effective communication and guide us in better decision-making. Different emotions help in survival as well. Emotions play a vital role in mental health, building healthy relations. At times they can be intense but learning how to deal with it will help in shaping life better.
What Are Emotions?
It is challenging to define what emotions exactly are. They are the combinations of physiological and psychological responses or stimuli. They are the main component of human life connecting the inner world and outer environment.
What’s The Purpose Of Emotions?
For survival and growth feelings and emotions are beneficial. They help to assess situations and maintain relationships by prioritizing, connecting, and communicating effectively. For example, if you feel someone feeling lonely you will be able to comfort them. If you are afraid emotions help you to either face the situation or run away. Emotions also help motivate us like if we are curious about something we will pursue our goal energetically.
Emotions are the key tool to self-awareness, as well as shaping memories. In the case of shaping memories, the neutral memories can’t stay longer but emotional memories stay as a long-term memory. That is why the traumatic memories stay long because emotions have a strong influence on memories. Happy and exciting events stay longer because it involves a high intensity of emotions. In short, emotions give depth and meaning to life.
Why Do We Experience Emotions?
As we know water and air are essential for living likewise emotions are also essential in surviving, understanding, and communicating. Emotion is a way for the brain to react differently in different situations. The amygdala is a part of the limbic system that is the center of emotion generation. It directs the body to respond accordingly and provides psychological flexibility thus helping us to adjust to the changing environment.
As human beings are social animals, emotions help in socializing. An emotional being will be able to understand others’ feelings more accurately thus promoting better interactions. Emotions are integrated processes connecting the brain and body with the environment rather than a random occurrence.
What Is Emotional Awareness?
Emotions are part of nature. They help us communicate in an effective manner. In childhood, we don’t know what emotions are. A child will never say that he is sad, disgusted, excited, happy, etc. He shows just by laughing or crying in most situations. But as we grow up, we identify exactly what we are feeling. Suppose we are sad, angry, or surprised.
We can put these feelings into words and explain them. We also know how to make facial expressions on different occasions. It is known as emotional awareness. When you get to know how to feel your feelings you become emotionally aware of yourself. To learn how to stay strong and maintain a positive mindset during challenging situations, check out our article on Effective Tips to Stay Positive and Resilient During Tough Times
How Emotions Help Us?
Emotions are extremely important in explaining yourself. Understanding emotions help us in maintaining our emotional health. They help us to build a healthy self-image. You may express it by your facial expressions as well as put it into words. Sometimes you can’t explain what you are feeling and this may result in frustration or sadness. So, knowing your emotions helps in mental peace. Emotional decisions can have short-term benefits and happiness so make sure to make decisions balanced with intellectual and emotional.
If we are emotionally aware we can react accordingly and be able to explain them. By sharing what you are feeling you can get rid of negative thoughts. Clearly knowing emotions helps to build healthy relationships and resolve conflicts. People are able to know you accurately about how you feel regarding a particular situation. It will develop understanding and affection. Emotions also aid survival by alerting us in dangerous situations.
Sometimes we don’t want to accept what we are feeling just like if we get jealous, we will never accept it. Maybe we judge ourselves. Never judge your emotions, it can come and go. Just name your emotions and deal with them.
The Basic Types Of Emotions
Following are the basic types of feelings and emotions. It includes negative and positive types of emotions but both are worthy.
Happiness
One of the basic and starving types of emotion is happiness. It is a state of satisfaction, joy, contentment, and well-being. There are many factors that trigger this kind of feeling. The criteria for being happy vary. Some may feel happy if they achieve something. Some may be happy after marrying the right person, finding a dream job, recovering from a long-term illness, and many more. To express happiness some may smile, laugh, relaxed posture, upbeat voice, and pleasant way of speaking.
Sadness
The most complex and undesired type is sadness. The reason for being sad may be known or unknown. When you know about the reason you may have grief, hopelessness, or depression but you can eliminate it. But if you don’t know the reason you may feel frustrated. Someone may feel sad if they lose a loved one, or job. Postpartum depression is also a major cause of sadness in women. To express this some may cry,
Anger
The most dangerous type is anger. Physiological or biological changes can cause anger. When you get angry your blood pressure and heart rate rise. The intensity of anger may vary from mild to intense fury and rage. It is totally natural to be angry. There may be several reasons to be angry like seeing a person you don’t like or memorizing some enraging events.
People express anger by responding aggressively, irritated, and touchy. Sometimes it’s good to show some anger and let it all out from inside but do not show violent behavior. Learn how to manage your anger. Keep calm, relax, and isolate for some time to eliminate the anger. Make sure not to harm others while you are angry. Discover the simple joys in life and explore a list of things to be grateful for in our article on All Things to Be Thankful For and Simple Ways to Find Joy.
Fear
It is the most basic type of emotion. People have different kinds of fear and phobias. It can also vary from mild to moderate and intense. It is mostly situation-dependent. Some people have fear of heights, some have fear of losing something or someone, etc. It is mainly the body’s ‘‘fight and flight’’ response to some situations as the body prepares itself to fight or run off from the place. In this situation heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing rate increase. Excessive sweating is also a sign of fear. Learn how to deal with fear. The best strategy is to confront the fear in order to cope up with it.
Surprise
Sudden or unexpected occurrences cause surprise. It is considered to have the shortest span compared to other types. It mostly lasts for a few seconds. After some seconds the brain understands what is happening and this emotion goes away. If someone arranges a party for your birthday you will definitely be surprised but after a short time this emotion can be replaced by happiness. There are different ways to show surprise. Mostly in these kinds of situations, eyebrows raised, eyes wide open, and jaws drop down as well as someone can also cry to express this. It is a combination of, astonish, startle, and amazement.
Disgust
The feeling of disgust is a complex emotion. Your heartbeat may be fast or slow. Your body is disturbed badly. You may feel nausea, upset stomach, etc. Mostly it can be triggered by a number of factors like if you feel something is offensive, poisonous, spoiled food, or even ideas. Basically, it is a protective emotion in response to harmful substances.
What Happens When You Don’t Feel Your Emotions?
There can be times when you don’t really feel your emotions. You might get desensitized to your feelings and emotions. There can be several reasons for this but they can be managed if addressed timely.
Unfulfilled Life
Unnoticed emotions will lead to emptiness or loneliness. You won’t be able to understand what you want from life. Your needs, desires, or values will go unnoticed. Ignoring emotions will certainly cause aimlessness and you won’t understand what truly matters.
Missed Opportunities For Growth
Denying emotions causes a lot of problems. If your gut feeling asks you to do something but you are egoistic you will miss many opportunities. Whether it is about personal growth or in relationships. So, always acknowledge the true emotion.
Mental Health Challenges
Unidentified emotions will cause a lot of mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, boredom. Many mental conditions like ASD, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD will cause or lead to emotional numbness. People who are unable to control their emotions often are the patient of bipolar disorder, a condition in which extensive mood swings occur.
Strained Relationships
The requirement of every kind of relationship is to express your feelings and emotions. But if you don’t feel or express your emotions the other person may lose interest. You might find it hard to empathize with others. People can consider you don’t want the relationship. Certainly, it would be strained relations which won’t last longer.
Increased Stress
Not knowing about your emotions or denying them will result in mental stress. It will cause a sensation of loneliness, helplessness, or frustration. So the simple thing is that if you like or dislike anything just go and talk about it. Don’t let your unnoticed emotions ruin your inner world.
How To Identify Your Emotions?
You may feel a sea of emotions but the question arises how to identify them? Let’s discuss it briefly.
Pay Attention To Physical Sensations
The first step is to pay attention to physical sensations. Nature created the body in such a unique way that it gives signals immediately when something is going to be wrong. For example, if your heartbeat is up, be attentive and find out why this is happening. You may feel danger or surprise.
Notice Your Thoughts
Now it’s time to notice your thoughts. Shape your thoughts. If you think you are not well prepared for exams, you might feel stressed, anxious, or even afraid. Learn to distinguish between thoughts and emotions. By doing so you will be able to clarify the emotion.
Ask Yourself Questions
By questioning yourself, you will be able to understand your emotions. Take time to tune into your mind when you feel something. First of all, self-awareness is necessary. Ask yourself what you are feeling and what’s happening in your body. Like heart congestion? Shortness of breath? Then identify what caused me to feel this way. Name the emotion. By questioning your feelings and emotions, you will be able to understand clearly.
Use An Emotion Vocabulary
In order to identify, process, and express emotions, developing a rich emotional vocabulary is the most effective way. Emotions are broadly classified as negative or positive.
| Negative | Positive |
| Guilt | Love |
| Jealously | Pride |
| Sadness | Gratitude |
| Anger | Hope |
| Fear | Pride |
| Frustration | Excitement |
| Failure | Happiness |
| Rejection | Connection |
Try Journaling Your Emotions
When you complete the previous steps, it’s time to write down your thoughts. Write down the questions asked by yourself. This practice helps in identifying your feelings and emotions. This will help to shape the thoughts appropriately. Answer these questions and shape your beneficial response. It will restrain you from reacting impulsively. Embracing self-kindness can transform your well-being dive into our guide on How to Be Kind to Yourself: Simple Tips for Self-Care and Love to start your journey.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness means to be fully present and focused. It will help to assess your feelings and emotions without judgment. Practicing mindfulness continually will result in a deeper understanding of your inner world you will be able to respond rather than react.
Seek Feedback From Others
People who are loyal to you will always give the best advice. Ask them about yourself and whether you respond or react in emotional situations. Are they observing any change in your emotional behavior while practicing mindfulness, journaling, and questioning. The feedback mechanism will be the best way to identify personality gaps.
The Important Role Of Negative Emotions
Negative feelings and emotions are often thought of as undesirable things. But as it is natural, it is also valuable. They play a crucial role in the development of important social, psychological, and behavioral functions. These factors are helpful in personal growth and well-being. Alerting in danger helps in survival and protection. Disappointments and regret help in making precise decisions in the future. Sharing sadness and grief helps in building strong relations. Similarly, frustration can be helpful in defining clearly what is important to us and aligning with it.
What Makes Someone Emotionally Unaware?
Most of the time it is hard for people to describe their feelings and emotions. Emotional unawareness causes alexithymia. It is a condition in which people fail to identify their emotional states as well as others. It is not characterized by mental disorders but has an impact on relationships, and mental and physical health.
Attachment Style
Emotional attachment is good in some ways and bad in other ways. It describes the bond between two persons, persons and things, or even with animals. Attachment affects how a person responds in a particular situation. It was learned in childhood. If caregivers show withholding emotions and teach the child in a good manner the child will develop with good and strong emotions. If caregivers or parents show distant, unavailable, or rejecting behavior, children will show these kinds of emotions.
Trauma
Trauma can easily disrupt the emotional responses. It acts on the limbic system and alters the ability to correctly interpret the emotion. They cause protective mechanisms by dissociating from emotions. It will cause emotional numbness.
Mental Health Conditions
There are many mental conditions that may contribute to or be associated with emotional unawareness. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorders contribute to emotional numbness. This results in difficulty in accurately responding, labeling the feelings and emotions.
Healthy Ways To Cope With Emotions
You can adopt these healthy practices that will help you to cope with your feelings and emotions.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
First of all, try to accept your emotions. You can’t escape from them. Name the emotions and utilize them in a better and more rewarding way. Understanding your emotions helps to fully control your reaction and avoid reacting extremely. Acknowledging your emotions may lead to a higher level of happiness, mental satisfaction, and a more sociable person.
Practice Deep Breathing
There may be abnormal physiological responses after experiencing some emotional event. Some feel breathing difficulties, heart beat issues, and panic attacks. In these circumstances practice deep breathing as it helps in calming a person. Deep breathing lowers the blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and decreases the release of stress hormone thereby relaxing the person.
Use Physical Activity To Release Emotions
Physical activities decrease stressors and increase resilience. It improves mood and regulates emotions. During exercise, epinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins are released which are responsible for the feelings of reward and pleasure. Physical activity provides distraction to avoid overthinking and provide mental peace.
Try Journaling Your Feelings
Some people are not comfortable sharing their feelings and emotions with others. So, they mostly feel discomfort as their feelings disturb their body. They mostly are unable to shape their thoughts and feelings. The best way is to write down your feelings and emotions. It will not invade privacy and allow you to reflect more deeply. By journaling your feelings anyone can easily find the triggering actions and find out how to manage them.
Talk To Someone You Trust
Always talk to a trustworthy person. Most of the people find it hardest to talk to family members about how they feel. Because you may be scared or disappointed if the other person does not understand what you want. You may have fear that others may disclose the feeling. Just find a trustworthy person and talk to them. It will avoid mental health problems.
When Are Emotions A problem?
As every picture has two sides likewise emotions can be problematic too. The following are some reasons:
Strong Feelings Go On For Too Long
Emotions are deeply rooted in the brain so they are responsible for making long-term traumatic memories. Sometimes people want to forget incidents but due to emotional attachment to them, they can’t do so. Emotional attachment also hurts whether it is with things or persons. You can’t escape from emotional memories that will result in mental trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, etc.
They Interfere With Our Ability To Live Our Lives
Memories hunt people badly. People who rely on memories can’t go forward. If you are not emotionally strong you can be fooled easily, you can hurt easily. Uncontrolled emotions lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. Emotional decisions can result in regret, anger, and frustration.
We Become Scared Of Our Own Body’s Feelings
As a result of different emotions, the body shows different physical responses. Negative emotions can cause hyperventilation, hypoventilation, fast or slow heart rate, trembling, or sweating. In these physical conditions, someone has panic or a heart attack. People also want to avoid their emotions as they are scared of their own impulsive behavior. Negative past emotional experiences like loss, rejection, betrayal, etc can cause fear of re-experiencing such situations thereby resulting in avoiding the realistic opportunities which may actually be beneficial.
Different Emotions Motivate Us To Act In Different Ways
Emotions are motivators that help us to align with our needs and desires. The emotions may be positive or negative. Positive includes happiness, love, and excitement, while negative includes fear, anger, disgust, etc. Positive emotions help us to overall well-being and inspire us to look at life in a totally different way. Motivate us to do the things that bring peace, joy, and happiness. Experiencing these kinds of emotions releases dopamine and serotonin from the brain. These hormones are known as the happy hormone which gives a sense of reward, freshens the mood and helps us to achieve our goals by enjoying ourselves.
Negative emotions signal us that something is not going well. Like in a fear situation, the fight or flight response of our nervous system enables us to act in an effective way to protect ourselves. Anger is shown when something does not match with our vibe. So, it is helpful in defining our boundaries, giving mental peace and satisfaction. We can say that nothing is negative until you make it negative. Negative emotions also motivate us in one way or another so monetize your emotions and use them in an effective manner.
Why Is Understanding Emotions Important?
Emotions are extremely important and understanding them is critical in many ways such as building strong relationships, making decisions, and navigating life. They internally signal us to define what matters a lot to us. Understanding emotions is key to developing self-awareness which ultimately guides us to grooming personality as well as personal intelligence.
It not only helps us to regulate reactions but also enables us to create deep connections and effectively resolve conflicts. Some people don’t show emotions but it does not mean that they don’t feel anything. They suppress their feelings which may lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and many medical conditions. So, understanding your emotions and expressing them in an effective manner ensures a balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
Conclusion
Understanding and processing emotions are essential for the well being of humans. They influence our interactions and physical and mental health. Verbal and non-verbal emotions help to build strong connections. They help us in fulfilling our lives. They help to synchronize our actions and reactions. Emotional awareness is the key that helps to differentiate and adjust rightly according to the situation. Negative emotions also provide valuable help to motivate us. Never let your emotions disconnected, or unnoticed. Otherwise, you will suffer from mental challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
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