Adrian Volenik
How important is mental health to you? Do you have special strategies and techniques to manage your emotions?
Mentally strong people are known for managing and controlling their emotions effectively. Here are some strategies and habits they use:
1) They understand emotions are temporary
Look, we’re all emotional at times. Should we let these mostly temporary emotions and thoughts, both positive and negative, influence our long-term decisions and behaviors? Of course not.
Still, most of us DO.
Mentally strong people understand that positive and negative emotions are temporary and will pass with time.
Emotions are a bit like weather patterns in our minds – they come and go, change and evolve, sometimes rapidly, sometimes slowly.
2) They reframe negative thoughts
Just as weeds can quietly emerge and thrive in a garden, negative thoughts can start small and gradually take hold in our minds without our immediate awareness.
Strong-minded individuals consciously practice reframing these thoughts into more positive or neutral terms, helping them manage their emotional state better.
3) They self-analyze
Let me ask you something. How well do you know yourself? Do you regularly self-reflect and self-analyze?
If not, you should learn a thing or two from mentally strong people. They regularly take time to reflect on their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
They ask themselves probing questions to gain deeper insights into their emotional patterns and make necessary adjustments.
Here are some meaningful questions you should ask yourself:
- Have my actions aligned with my values and intentions?
- What challenges or successes have I experienced recently?
- How have my relationships and interactions impacted me?
- What have I learned about myself in the past week/month/year?
4) They’re grateful
Once you answer them, you realize how lucky you are and express gratitude.
This also helps shift focus away from negative emotions and onto positive aspects of life, thereby stimulating a more positive overall mood.
To really get to know yourself, I recommend journaling to focus on writing about your emotions in a more abstract or creative way.
5) They laugh
Laughter and playfulness are some of the most important aspects of emotion management.
Strong-minded people use humor to diffuse stress and lighten their mood. We all know how a good laugh provides a quick emotional reset.
That’s why they intentionally look for funny videos and jokes or spend time with people who have a lighthearted and humorous attitude.
When was the last time you really laughed out loud? Was it a couple of hours, days, or even weeks ago?
Think about it for a moment.
6) They relieve stress
Laughter is the best medicine for stress relief. However, mentally strong folks knowingly or unknowingly use many other stress-relief methods.
For instance, they spend time in nature. By immersing themselves in natural environments, like forests, parks, or beaches, they promote a sense of tranquility and provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.
Another example is exercise. It’s widely recognized as an effective stress reliever. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
Then there’s meditation, Yoga, music and art therapies, spending time with pets, etc.
7) They ask for help
When was the last time you asked someone for help? Do you do it regularly, or do you refrain from it thinking it’s a sign of weakness and whatnot?
Mentally strong people understand that everyone needs help sometimes. If they’re having difficulty managing their emotions or simply having a bad day, they’re not afraid to seek assistance.
This help can come in many ways and from different people. For instance, they could ask for help from a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional.
If you don’t have anyone to help you now, think about widening your social circle so you aren’t in the same position in the future.
The more people you know, the better.
8) They set boundaries
Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine a canvas. It represents your personal space, emotions, and well-being.
The lines you draw symbolize the boundaries you establish to protect and define that space.
The colors and patterns you use represent your values, needs, and limits.
Just as an artist carefully decides where to draw lines and shapes on a canvas to create a meaningful and visually appealing piece of art, setting boundaries involves making intentional choices.
Choices about what you allow into your personal space and what you protect yourself from.
9) They learn from setbacks
No one likes setbacks, right? They literally set you back. Sometimes, they even stop you in your tracks.
And as a locomotive needs power and time to return to its previous speed, the same is true for us after a setback.
Instead of dwelling on failures or setbacks, mentally strong people see them as opportunities for growth. They learn from their experiences, adapt their approach, and move forward with renewed determination.
10) They cultivate a positive mindset
Okay, we talked about negative thoughts already. But I haven’t explained how important it is to have a positive outlook in life for managing emotions.
It’s the reason why mentally strong people deliberately choose to focus on the positive aspects of life.
They’re grateful and develop an optimistic outlook, which helps them manage their emotions more positively and resiliently.
Focus on solutions and not on problems.
11) They set realistic expectations
And finally, it’s all about setting realistic expectations in life. Sure, you have to shoot for the stars sometimes, but it’s equally important to keep your feet on the ground and recognize that progress and growth usually come through gradual steps and consistent effort.
Remember that success and achievement are rarely instant or linear.
Final thoughts
Managing emotions is a life skill that we can develop over time. You just need to practice and do self-reflection.
Also, be extra patient and compassionate with yourself as you work on strengthening your emotional well-being.
