What Is Emotional Regulation—and How Do You Recognize It?
You’ve probably heard the quote: “You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.” But how often do you find yourself reacting impulsively—snapping in frustration, raising your voice, or shutting down—only to later think: “I wish I had more patience,” or “I didn’t need to respond that way”?
You’re not alone.
We all experience big emotions—surprise, disappointment, anger, sadness. These feelings aren’t just reactions; they’re signals, helping us understand the world around us and how it affects us. When left unchecked, emotions can build up and create instability, showing up in ways that disrupt our well-being.
Staying connected to your emotions is a superpower. The goal isn’t to avoid big feelings—it’s to learn how to regulate them. Let them inform you about your experience without letting them take control.
Emotional regulation means managing your responses in a balanced, intentional, and healthy way—especially in the moments when life feels overwhelming. Rather than letting emotions run the show, emotional regulation gives you space between what happens and how you choose to respond.