We all have big feelings now and again. I’ve learned that as humans, we’re not really good at managing them.
We often stuff them down, where they don’t die, but instead revisit us in the future by flavoring the way we respond in situation.
Here are a few ways I manage my Big Feelings to help life feel less crazy
- Deep Breathing – 9 deep breaths; inhale to a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, exhale for a count of 8
- Taking a walk – being in nature is healing for me.
- Doing something creative – the act of being creative really helps me shift, whether it is creating mosaics, or rearranging furniture.
- Aromatherapy = Grabbing my favorite essential oil and dabbing a little under my nose before taking deep breaths to engage my amazing olfactory system, the part of our brain where we store memories, and manage emotions. We are SO COOL!
- Jumping on an elliptical machine and pushing myself to the limit for 30 minutes.
- Hugging someone I love and trust until I relax.
Check out this tip from our youngest:
Tips for BIG FEELINGS from a 6-year old
One day our then 6-year old was throwing a fit about something. Probably not getting what he wanted.
After about a few minutes I walked downstairs and asked him if he liked how he was feeling. “NO!” was his reply. I asked him how long he wanted to feel that way, with no response. I reminded him that he knows what helps him when has big feelings and went back upstairs.
About 5-minutes later, I think just long enough so he could make it “his idea,” he came upstairs and headed for the bedroom where I knew there was a bottle of his favorite essential oil.
He returned smelling of frankincense, with a smile on his face and said, “Mommy, I’m sorry I wasn’t nice to you.”
How sweet, right? The most awesome thing about the experience is that I had a 6-year old who knew how to successfully manage his feelings. This skill will serve him well in life.
