Emotional Regulation: How to Stay Calm and in Control

By Molly Stackhouse

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage our emotions in a healthy way. It involves being aware of our emotions, understanding why we are feeling them, and responding to them in a way that is appropriate and effective.


Emotional regulation is an important skill for everyone, but it can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. When we are able to regulate our emotions, we are better able to cope with stress, make sound decisions, and build and maintain healthy relationships.


There are many different techniques that can help with emotional regulation. Some of these techniques include:


Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When we are mindful, we are more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This awareness can help us to identify and manage our emotions more effectively.


Deep breathing: Deep breathing is a simple but effective way to calm down when we are feeling stressed or anxious. When we take deep breaths, we slow down our heart rate and lower our blood pressure. This can help us to feel more relaxed and in control.


Exercise: Exercise is a great way to release stress and improve our mood. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.


Relaxation techniques: There are many different relaxation techniques that can help with emotional regulation. Some popular techniques include yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation.


Identifying triggers: Once we are aware of our triggers, we can start to develop strategies for coping with them in a healthy way. For example, if we know that we tend to get angry when we are feeling stressed, we can start to identify ways to manage our stress levels before we reach the point of feeling angry.


Seeking professional help: If you are struggling to regulate your emotions on your own, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you specific techniques for emotional regulation and help you to develop a plan for managing your emotions in a healthy way.


Emotional regulation is an important skill for everyone. By learning how to regulate our emotions, we can improve our mental health, cope with stress more effectively, and make sound decisions. If you are considering therapy in Calvert County, I encourage you to reach out to a therapist and  schedule an appointment  Therapy can be a valuable tool for improving your mental health and well-being.

Molly Stackhouse is a therapist located in Calvert County, Maryland.  She owns a private practice located in Southern Maryland where she specializes in working with adolescents adults who experience panic attacks. Additionally, she has a strong understanding of the different types of trauma and the different ways that people respond to trauma. She uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and brainspotting. Additionally, she is a nationally certified school psychologist. If you are interested in services, use the link here
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