Ethan Kross, a neuroscientist at the University of Michigan and author of "Shift," explores tools for managing overwhelming emotions. He discusses how self-talk, especially in the third person, can enhance clarity during stress. Kross uses the metaphor of Stradivarius violins to illustrate the intricacies of emotional regulation and highlights the importance of emotional management strategies in navigating life’s challenges. He also delves into the evolution of these methods, from ancient practices to modern techniques, emphasizing the need for both emotional expression and self-control.
Regulating emotions is crucial for decision-making, and scientific techniques can offer actionable tools for effective emotional management.
Negative emotions, often misunderstood, serve important roles in personal development and can be embraced for adaptive living.
Deep dives
The Value of Understanding Emotions
Regulating emotions is akin to mastering a musical instrument, as emotions can lead to both pain and beauty depending on how they are handled. Knowing how to effectively manage emotions is crucial for decision-making, especially in distressing situations. Learners can develop the ability to manage emotions through understanding the science behind emotional regulation, which reveals actionable tools for better emotional management. The key challenge is that many people lack systematic guidance for navigating their emotional experiences, which can feel overwhelming without it.
The Role of Self-Perception in Emotional Management
Negative emotions are a normal part of the human experience and can even serve constructive purposes if kept in check. People often misconstrue feelings like anxiety and regret as harmful, instead of recognizing them as natural human reactions. Acknowledging that experiencing these emotions does not equate to personal failure can be liberating. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace the full spectrum of emotions as integral to personal development and adaptive living.
Tools for Emotional Regulation
Different strategies can help manage anxiety and stress, including self-talk techniques modeled after effective communicators like Malala Yousafzai. By employing distanced self-talk, individuals can gain clarity and alleviate negative emotional responses, making it easier to address their feelings. Additionally, incorporating sensory experiences such as music or nature can also be powerful tools for emotional regulation. Research indicates that awe-inducing experiences can reduce stress and foster a greater sense of connection, enhancing overall emotional well-being.
Building an Emotional Advisory Board
Creating a support system of people who validate emotions and help broaden perspectives is essential for managing emotional challenges effectively. An emotional advisor audit can help individuals identify supportive connections in both personal and professional spheres. This exercise encourages the cultivation of relationships that contribute to emotional health by fostering not only empathy but also constructive problem-solving. Ultimately, leveraging such social support enhances one’s ability to navigate emotional landscapes in a balanced and resilient manner.
Emotions sometimes feel overwhelming and debilitating—but science-backed tools can help us wrangle them. This hour, neuroscientist Ethan Kross shares research from his Emotion and Self-Control Lab.
TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted.