So let’s be real. Being a teen comes with a LOT of EMOTIONS
One minute you are good. The next minute somebody says something, your parents get on your nerves, a friend leave you on read, school becomes overwhelming, or something just doesn’t go your way.
Suddenly, you are angry
Frustrated
Embarrassed
Anxious
Overwhelmed
Here is the thing:
Having emotions isn’t the problem. Letting the every emotion control your reaction is.
So when things start getting heated, remember three letters
E.M.S
E= EXHALE
Before you react, PAUSE and BREATHE.
Your first reaction isn’t always your best reaction.
When you feel yourself getting worked up:
Take a slow, deep breath.
Give yourself a few seconds before responding.
Step back if you need to.
Don’t send that text while you are heated
Don’t say something you will wish you could take back.
Sometimes that little pause is all you need to make a better decision
EXHALE BEFORE YOU EXPLODE
M= MOTION
Sometimes you have so much emotion built up inside that you need somewhere for that energy to go.
So Move
Take a walk
Clean your room
Do some chores
Exercise
Shoot some hoops
Dance
Step outside for a few minutes
Instead of putting all that energy into an argument, redirect it into something positive
The goal isn’t to run away from your feelings. It’s to give yourself time to cool down before deciding what to do next.
DON’T JUST FEEL IT. PUT IT IN MOTION
S=SPEAK or STAY SILENT
Now ask yourself one important question:
“Do I really need to speak right now?
Sometimes the answer is YES
You may need to tell someone:
“That hurt me.”
“I didn’t like what happened.”
“I need some space.”
“Can we talk about about this when we are both calmer?”
Speak up, but speak with respect.
Other times, the answer is NO.
You don’t have to respond to every comment.
You don’t have to reply to every text.
And you definitely don’t have to say everything that pops into head.
Sometimes the strongest response is:
Silence
Give yourself time. Let emotions settle. Then decide whether the situation really deserves your response.
SPEAK WISELY. SILENCE CAN BE STRENGTH
