How To Manage Your Emotions To Avoid Making Bad Decisions
Updated: May 9, 2024
Written by: Rachel Shieff, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever noticed that the way you feel influences the decisions you make? Have you ever made a good decision when you felt sad, depressed, lonely, or angry?
5 steps to manage your emotions
When it comes to making important decisions, there are several strategies that can be helpful for managing your emotions so they don’t bubble up and lead to making choices you’ll regret.
1. Identify Your ‘Go-To’ Emotions
All of us experience 5 or 6 emotions on a regular basis, even if they’re of no benefit to us. Just think about it…if your ‘go-to’ emotions are anxiety, guilt, fear, and worry; you’ll find yourself looking for these emotions in every situation; not because you want to, but because they’re familiar to you. All of our emotions, positive and negative, serve us in some way. Intrigue might guide you to ask questions to explore opportunities, and fear may motivate you to take action. Give some thought to the emotions you really want to experience on a daily basis and how they’ll help your decision-making; then get intentional about experiencing those emotions.
2. Take a break
If you feel overwhelmed by emotions, take a break from the decision-making process. This will help you to calm down and get clarity on the situation before making a final decision.
3. Seek Support
Talking to a trusted friend, family member or coach can help you to process your emotions and gain a different perspective on the situation.
4. Bring Mindfulness Into The Mix
I can’t over-emphasize the importance of conscious breathing. Taking three deep breaths will instantly calm you down. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4. When you combine that with meditation, you’ll put all your responsibilities and challenges on hold, giving you the space to connect with what is right for you, so you can consider your choices and get inner clarity. When you focus on the ‘NOW’, rather than focusing on how you might feel in the future after making your decision, you’ll realize what is actionable and doable for you.
5. Magic Questions To Ask Yourself
What would happen if I did not do this?
What could make me regret this decision?
How will I know this was the right decision?
If I make this decision, will I be committed to seeing it through?
These questions help you to make a more rational decision based on objective factors, instead of being swayed by emotions in the moment. By incorporating these strategies into your decision-making process, you’ll find it easier to manage your emotions and make more informed and rational choices.
Click on this link to download my FREE Ebook ‘How To Have Clarity And Confidence To Make Difficult Life Decisions’
Rachel Shieff, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Rachel Shieff is a leading Mindset Coach. Through her individualized approach, she explores a client’s personal history to gain a thorough understanding of the challenges and self-limiting thoughts that are holding them back. She then evaluates their situation and prescribes a coaching journey with clearly defined objectives, and action steps to take them from where they are now to exactly where they want to be. Rachel’s magnetic energy brings out the best in people, and that’s probably why people naturally go to her for help and advice, and to share their problems in confidence. This has happened to her throughout her life.
