Effective Tips For Moms to Manage Strong Emotion
Do you ever feel completely out of control, like you’re having an adult tantrum? You might not be throwing yourself on the floor, but instead dealing with anxiety, moodiness, and disproportionate reactions. These emotional or behavioral responses are often much stronger than the situation warrants, signaling underlying stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties.
I’ve been there. When I was stressed, the smallest inconvenience could trigger an explosive reaction. For instance, when I felt overwhelmed by motherhood, something as simple as running late or misplacing my keys would make me burst into tears. It felt like I had no control, and it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Disproportionate reactions
There were also times when I had angry, disproportionate reactions, like yelling over minor issues such as my children not putting their toys away. These big reactions happened because of immense stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. I wasn’t taking the time to process my feelings, thoughts, or even pause for a moment.
There were also times when I had angry, disproportionate reactions, like yelling over minor issues such as my children not putting their toys away. These big reactions happened because of immense stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. I wasn’t taking the time to process my feelings, thoughts, or even pause for a moment. Learn more about preventing becoming an anagry mom.
I believed this made me a bad mom. I disliked who I was. But first, I want to validate your feelings: if you are feeling like you’re a bad mom, you’re not. You are doing the best you can with all the responsibilities you are juggling. You are not your reactions.
My disproportionate reactions created tension in my family, with my partner, and in how I parented. I knew I needed to change. I wanted to handle minor inconveniences in a healthier way and navigate life’s obstacles with calm, ease, and a little grace. And I’m living proof that it’s possible.
Here’s How to manage strong emotions:
Recognize the Triggers: Identify what specific situations or stressors cause these disproportionate reactions. Awareness is the first step. By understanding what sets off these intense emotions, you can begin to prepare and manage your responses more effectively.
Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, take a moment to breathe and assess the situation. Ask yourself if the reaction matches the event. This brief pause can provide enough time to choose a more measured response, preventing an overreaction and maintaining a sense of control.
Practice Self-Care: Dedicate time to activities that rejuvenate you. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a short walk, or a few minutes of meditation, small acts of self-care make a big difference. When you feel balanced and cared for, you’re less likely to have extreme reactions to minor issues ( join 7 day self-care challenge )
Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to a friend, join a support group, or seek professional guidance. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings can alleviate some of the stress. Support networks can provide validation, advice, and an emotional outlet, making it easier to cope with daily challenges.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that perfection is unattainable. Set realistic goals and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Adjusting your expectations can reduce the pressure you place on yourself, helping you respond to setbacks with more patience and grace.
Navigating emotions healthily improves your relationship with yourself, your family, and your parenting. It all starts with you taking care of yourself in the best way possible. By implementing these strategies, you can transform how you handle stress and become a calmer, more resilient mom.
Need help incorporating realistic self-care practices into your daily routine? Join the 7-day self-care challenge and discover how small changes can make a big difference.
