Taking ownership of our emotions and reactions is the first step in managing workplace stress and improving emotional well-being.
Developing emotional literacy and understanding our emotions allows us to have greater control over our emotional state and make conscious choices about our responses.
Deep dives
Taking Ownership and Understanding Emotions
The first step in managing workplace stress and improving emotional well-being is to take ownership of one's emotions and reactions. Understanding that no one else is causing our anxiety or stress, but rather we create these emotional states ourselves in response to external factors. By acknowledging this truth and accepting that we are responsible for our emotional experiences, we can begin to change them.
Developing Emotional Literacy
Emotional literacy is the ability to accurately differentiate between various emotions and understand their characteristics. By studying and observing our emotions, we can enhance our emotional literacy and gain a better understanding of what we are feeling. This awareness allows us to have greater control over our emotional state and make conscious choices about how we want to respond to different situations.
Navigating the Universe of Emotions
Developing the ability to navigate and utilize different emotional states is a valuable skill. Just as a skilled driver can navigate various roads to reach their desired destination, we can learn to access specific emotions based on the demands of a situation. By practicing and mastering these shifts in emotions, we can bring out the best version of ourselves and perform at our peak in various contexts, whether it's at work or in personal life.
The Power of Breathing Techniques
Breathing plays a crucial role in managing stress and regulating emotions. By implementing rhythmic, even, and heart-centered breathing techniques, we can positively affect our biology and shift our emotional state. When we breathe in a controlled and focused manner, it becomes significantly harder to maintain anxiety or stress. Breathing techniques serve as a powerful tool to help us calm our minds, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
Interview with Alan Watkins, CEO and Founder of Complete. He talks about managing workplace stress through breathing techniques and overcoming our animal instincts.
