Emotional control is essential for mental health
Tiago Da Silva Mascarenhas
Co-Founder and CEO SEDA College, Vice President Chamber of Commerce Brazil Ireland
I am often asked about the role of emotional control in mental health, and I like to answer from a practical perspective: understanding and managing our emotions is as vital as taking care of our physical health.
Over the course of our lives, we accumulate experiences, challenges and even traumas that shape the way we react to situations.
Often, when faced with stress or pressure, it is easy to lose control and be overcome by feelings of anger, sadness or anxiety. However, recognizing and naming these emotions is the first step towards a healthier mental life.
How can we develop emotional control in our daily lives?
Emotional control is not innate; it is something that we can develop with dedication. One of the practices that I often recommend is “mindfulness”.
It helps us to be present in the moment, to notice when an emotion arises and to act more consciously. This may seem simple, but it is a powerful skill that allows us to avoid impulsive reactions and put ourselves in a position of control.
Another important point is the practice of conscious breathing. In times of tension, deep, slow breathing can help us regain our balance and make more rational decisions.
These daily practices make a big difference in the long run and strengthen our ability to face adversity.
Benefits of emotional control for mental health
When we talk about mental health, emotional control plays a prominent role. It not only protects us from impulsive reactions, but also reduces stress and anxiety, helping us build healthier relationships.
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Feelings of frustration and anger are normal, but it is essential to know how to deal with them in a constructive way, which ends up reflecting in a better quality of life and well-being.
Controlling emotions does not mean repressing them
It is important to differentiate emotional control from emotional repression. Controlling emotions means understanding them and knowing how to express them in a healthy way. Repressing them, on the other hand, means ignoring them, which can lead to mental health problems in the future.
That is why I always say that good mental health is not about hiding what we feel, but about allowing ourselves to feel and express our emotions in a balanced way.
The importance of investing in emotional control
Developing emotional control is an investment in ourselves and our mental health.
It is a skill that requires practice and self-knowledge, but the benefits are rewarding: greater resilience, clarity to face challenges and, most importantly, a lighter and more satisfying life.
I believe that we can all learn to better manage our emotions and, in doing so, improve our quality of life and well-being.
This path may seem challenging, but taking the first step already represents a big change. After all, taking care of our mental health is one of the greatest demonstrations of self-care and self-respect.