TED Radio Hour
A neuroscientist's guide to managing our emotions
Mar 7, 2025
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.
49:38
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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