Personal Growth Strategies #11: The Power in Our Emotions

The idea of controlling our emotions is an intriguing one. Something so potentially volatile may seem impossible to manage, yet it is both a necessary and achievable skill.

For many people, emotions can seem to appear out of nowhere, taking over their thoughts and actions. When we experience a strong emotional response, our brain’s amygdala—the region responsible for processing emotions—becomes highly active. Neuroscientists have observed that in these moments, logical thinking is often overpowered by the intensity of our emotions.
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You have likely experienced this yourself—when an emotion completely dominates your thoughts, growing stronger the more you dwell on it. So, what can we do?

Psychotherapists have long known that simply recognising and naming an emotion can lessen its intensity and help us manage our reactions. By bringing emotions into the open—whether through writing or conversation—we begin to process them objectively, much like analysing the structure of a table. When we do this, amygdala activity decreases, and the problem-solving areas of our brain become more engaged.

Fortunately, there are practical tools that can help. Mindfulness meditation allows us to observe emotions moment by moment, without letting them take control. Journaling enables us to process emotions by putting them into words, giving us a clearer perspective on our feelings.
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Taking control of our emotions not only improves mental clarity but also reduces stress, benefiting our overall wellbeing. By mastering this skill, we build emotional resilience—allowing us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.