Join Ethan Kross, a psychologist and professor at the University of Michigan, as he reveals how to take control of your emotions. He discusses the power behind 'shifting' emotions and effective strategies for processing feelings, whether by confronting them or avoiding them until you're ready. Kross highlights the importance of environment in emotion regulation and introduces the WHOOP technique for goal-setting. Discover how fostering resilience and reframing social comparisons can lead to a healthier emotional landscape.
Emotions serve as valuable information, and properly managing them involves recognizing their importance while avoiding emotional stagnation.
Changing environments and reframing comparisons can significantly impact emotional states, transforming negative feelings into motivation for personal growth.
Deep dives
The Function of Pain and Emotions
Physical pain serves a protective function, alerting individuals to potential harm, which can be paralleled in understanding emotions. Emotions, even those considered negative, provide crucial information that helps individuals navigate their experiences. They can become problematic, however, when felt too intensely or for too long, leading to emotional stagnation. Properly managing emotions involves recognizing their value while learning to process them without becoming overwhelmed or stuck in a cycle of distress.
The Role of Avoidance in Emotional Management
Avoidance of emotions is not always detrimental; in some cases, it can be a strategic tool for emotional regulation. Taking a break from emotionally charged situations often allows for clearer perspectives, making problems seem less significant or easier to handle upon return. This approach can also foster smoother interpersonal dynamics, as time apart can help others regroup before re-engaging in difficult conversations. Recognizing when to temporarily step back or confront an emotion is essential for effective emotional management.
Utilizing Environment and Comparison for Emotional Shifting
Changing one’s environment can significantly influence emotional states, as specific spaces have the potential to foster feelings of comfort and resilience. Rearranging physical spaces—such as moving furniture or eliminating reminders of distress—can create fresh starts and minimize negative emotions. Additionally, while comparisons typically evoke envy and distress, they can be reframed to act as inspiration for personal goals. By recognizing the benefits of comparing oneself to others, individuals can transform negative emotions into motivation for self-improvement and emotional growth.
You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You, he says there are specific tools you can use to "skillfully push" your feelings around in a way that's useful, whether that's confronting them in the moment or avoiding them until you're ready to process them.