They communicate
Facial expressions send messages faster than words and influence others whether we mean them to or not. When we need to send a message, emotions can be hard to change.
They motivate
Emotions prepare us to act and save time in important moments. Strong emotions help us overcome obstacles.
They signal
Emotions carry information about a situation. But taken too far, emotions get treated as facts: “If I feel incompetent, I am.” “If I’m afraid, it must be dangerous.”
What makes regulating hard
- Biology.
- Not knowing what to do yet.
- An environment that rewards high emotion.
- Mood running the show instead of Wise Mind.
- Overload — past your skills breakdown point.
- Myths about emotions.