Exploring Emotions, Part 2

In this second month of exploring emotions, we turn to developing and deploying our emotional management tools! Now that we know a little something about our inner landscapes and the way that our emotional ‘weather’ moves through it, perhaps there are small things that we can do to stay dry through the storms and bask in the inner sunshine. Building from what we have noticed about our feelings last month, let’s focus in on the shifts of mood and what provokes them. Does a walk around the block shift anger? Does being wrapped tight in a blanket soothe sadness? Does deep breathing help tame anxiety? Try drinking a glass of water, putting on music that moves you, getting out in the sunshine. Experiment and learn–and stock your toolbox. This challenge offers a chance to build emotional resilience through seeking greater self-knowledge and practicing with tools for taming emotion.

Habit:

Notice and name an emotion to yourself

Experiment with shifting that emotion (make a note of successful strategies!)

To Do:

Try using music to change a mood

Try using movement or exercise to change a mood

Try using breathing or meditation to change a mood

Try changing a mood by sleeping

Try changing a mood by socializing or sharing your feelings

Try changing a mood by changing your clothes or appearance

Reflection:

I suggested some of my favorite strategies to get folks started, and people took off in their own best directions with it. This was a great challenge, all around.