3 things I wish I knew about emotions before becoming an adult
Having awareness about our emotions helps us better navigate our needs, wants, and desires.
When we are aware of our emotional state we can communicate better, avoid confusion and move beyond those difficult feelings.
Darwin first pioneered a study on emotions and expressions back in 1872, however, it wasn’t until sometime later that Researchers began categorising and identifying our primary, secondary and negative emotions.
Over the decades the classifications have changed somewhat and researchers have suggested that emotions are a complex psychological state that is made up of 3 specific components
- A subjective experience: what angers me, might not anger you in the same way
- A physiological experience and: what your body does when feeling an emotion – shaky, heart racing
- A behavioural response: A smile, a frown, pacing, jumping for joy
Humans will experience these three components in a response to an event or situation that happens to us in our daily lives.
But this information only created more questions in me – It doesn’t explain what an emotion is, rather what emotion does, nor does it help us when we are experiencing out-of-control emotions that end up affecting our day-to-day lives.
This is what I wish I knew about emotions before becoming an adult – and it all revolves around neuroplasticity
1. Emotions are chemical impulses bouncing around your brain trying to make sense of a situation – If you look at someone experiencing an emotion – they are having an internal experience that has an outward physical response
2. These chemical impulses are in control creating havoc and having free reign of our brain – the longer we leave them running rampant the stronger the sensation becomes. Our neural system is on autopilot, without us even being consciously aware our brain is running down strong, historic neural pathways we have created from a lifetime of experiences, like sadness, grief, guilt, overwhelm, and shame to name a few
3. Initially, researchers of the brain thought the brain was wired, like a machine that can’t be shifted or altered, but modern science has introduced us to neuroplasticity and now Neuroplasticians have proven without a shadow of a doubt that the brain and chemical impulses we have that result in emotional response can be altered with tools like thought, mindfulness & meditation.
If you are worried about the negative impact unhelpful emotions can have on your physical and mental health. Take a look at how Louise can help.
Because… you are one new chemical impulse away from managing your emotions!