Lachlan Brown
Do you ever feel like your emotions are controlling you?
It’s tough when anger, sadness, or anxiety take over, making you feel helpless.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You can break free from this emotional rollercoaster by letting go of some habits that only make things worse.
In this article, we’ll talk about 7 habits that are keeping you chained to your emotions and how to kick them to the curb.
Ready to stop feeling like a puppet of your feelings and start enjoying a more balanced life?
Let’s dive in.
1. Suppressing Your Emotions
One of the most harmful habits you might be clinging to is suppressing your emotions.
Instead of acknowledging and accepting what you’re feeling, you might be trying to bury those emotions deep down, hoping they’ll just go away.
But here’s the thing: they won’t. When you hide your feelings, they often come back with a vengeance.
They might manifest as physical symptoms, mental stress, or even sudden emotional outbursts.
To break free from this habit, start by allowing yourself to feel your emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
Remember, it’s okay to be sad, angry, or anxious sometimes.
Emotions are a natural part of being human.
When you acknowledge and understand them, you’ll be better equipped to manage them and reduce their power over you.
So instead of suppressing your feelings, try talking to a friend, journaling, or simply giving yourself permission to feel.
You’ll be surprised how much lighter you feel once you stop pushing your emotions away.
2. Overthinking Everything
Another habit that keeps us tied to our emotions is overthinking.
You might find yourself replaying situations in your head, wondering if you could have done something differently, or obsessing over what might happen in the future.
This constant rumination only amplifies your emotional distress, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
I’ve been there, too. It’s like a broken record playing in your mind that you can’t seem to switch off.
The more you replay the thoughts, the more intense your emotions become.
But remember this: overthinking won’t change what has already happened, nor can it predict the future.
All it does is keep you stuck in an endless cycle of worry and doubt.
To overcome overthinking, practice being present in the moment.
This might involve mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, or simply doing something that takes your mind off things.
Remind yourself that the only moment you can truly control is the present one.
Let go of the past and the future, and focus on making the most of the here and now.
3. Neglecting Self-Care
The third habit you should say goodbye to is neglecting self-care.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotions, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself.
You might skip meals, not get enough sleep, or abandon hobbies that once brought you joy.
But these are the very things that can help you regain control over your emotions.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
When you neglect your own well-being, you’re more likely to be at the mercy of your emotions.
Take time to do things that nourish your body and soul.
Eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, exercise, and make time for hobbies that bring you joy.
Trust me, as someone who’s been through tough times, prioritizing self-care is a game-changer.
It might seem simple, but it can make a world of difference in how you feel and handle your emotions.
Make yourself a priority, and you’ll find it easier to manage your feelings and cultivate a happier, more balanced life.
4. Seeking Constant Validation
It might seem counterintuitive, but constantly seeking approval from others can actually make you more susceptible to emotional turmoil.
When you rely on external validation to feel good about yourself, you’re handing over your emotional well-being to others.
You become a slave to their opinions, which can leave you feeling vulnerable and insecure.
It’s a tough habit to break, especially in a world where social media likes and comments can seem so important.
But the truth is, real emotional freedom comes from self-validation. Learn to trust your own instincts and believe in your own worth, regardless of what others think.
I know it’s easier said than done, but once you start validating yourself, you’ll notice a shift in your emotional landscape.
You’ll feel more confident, secure, and less affected by the ups and downs of other people’s opinions.
Your emotions will become more stable, and you’ll find yourself feeling happier and more at peace.
5. Avoiding Tough Conversations
One of the habits that keeps us chained to our emotions is avoiding tough conversations.
It’s that elephant in the room, the unspoken issue that’s been gnawing at you, or the resentment that’s been building up.
You might think that by not addressing these uncomfortable topics, you’re sparing yourself and others from pain, but in reality, you’re just delaying the inevitable and letting your emotions fester.
I’ve done this myself, and let me tell you, it only makes things worse.
The longer you avoid having those difficult conversations, the more your emotions build up, and the harder it becomes to manage them.
It’s like trying to hold a beach ball underwater.
Eventually, it’s going to pop up, and the longer you try to hold it down, the more forcefully it resurfaces.
So, take a deep breath and face those tough conversations head-on.
Yes, it might be uncomfortable, and yes, it might be painful.
But by addressing the issues that have been weighing on your heart and mind, you’ll be releasing a huge emotional burden.
Trust me, you’ll feel lighter, more authentic, and more in control of your emotions once you’ve cleared the air.
6. Holding On to Grudges
Another habit that can keep you emotionally shackled is holding on to grudges.
It’s natural to feel hurt when someone has wronged you, and it’s tempting to hold on to that anger and resentment.
But, in reality, harboring grudges only ends up hurting you more. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go, making it harder to move forward and enjoy life.
Holding onto grudges felt like a way to protect myself from getting hurt again, but all it did was weigh me down with negativity.
It’s important to realize that letting go of grudges doesn’t mean you’re excusing or forgetting what happened.
It means you’re choosing to free yourself from the emotional baggage that’s been holding you back.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for emotional freedom. It’s not about the other person; it’s about you and your well-being.
When you let go of grudges, you’re not only releasing the grip that those past hurts have on you, but you’re also creating space for more positive emotions to enter your life.
It’s a gift you give to yourself, and it’s a crucial step toward emotional liberation.
7. Comparing Yourself to Others
In a world where everyone’s highlights are on display, it’s incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others.
Scrolling through social media, it might seem like everyone else has it all together, while you’re struggling.
But remember, what you’re seeing is just a curated snapshot of someone’s life, not the full picture.
I’ve caught myself in this trap before, feeling envious of someone else’s achievements or lifestyle, only to realize that I was robbing myself of joy and contentment in my own life.
What helped was understanding that every person is on their own unique journey, with their own set of challenges and triumphs.
Instead of measuring your life against someone else’s, focus on your own growth and progress.
Celebrate your small victories and cherish the moments that truly matter.
The only comparison worth making is with the person you were yesterday.
By focusing on your own path and appreciating your own worth, you’ll find a deeper sense of contentment and free yourself from the emotional turmoil that comparison often brings.
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