How do you control your emotions?

[Barb D]

I'm about to be in a situation which will require courage and grace, and I'm afraid I'm going to completely fall apart. I need tips on how to control my emotions...specifically, how NOT to cry. I cry at the drop of a hat, and I can't do that now.

Give me your suggestions...and give 'em to me quick.

 

[joshsmom]

Sorry I can't help you--see my last tag. I'm just like you. Good luck though!

 

[fantasymagic]

Big deep breaths; try to think about the situation logically; tell yourself you can do it. It's easier said than done. By hopefully, this can help you stay in control. P & PD coming your way.

 

[chell]

:hugs:

Sorry but that is all I can offer.

 

[sajetto]

Sorry, no help from me b/c I'm just as bad as you. I've tried controlling my emotions in situations that are sad or upsetting, but I always end up with my mascara running down my face.

 

[Buckalew11]

Well, as a Christian, I would more than likely pray about it and hold tight to the fact that I do not want to cry and crying will do no good at that point in time. I believe God will get us through some mighty hard times in life by giving us strength to overcome hard moments.
Of course, if you aren't a believer in that, it is all a bunch of hooey.

Good luck to you. I hope you can hold it together.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I almost never cry - I am more of an angry girl. But anger doesn't usually lend itself to being graceful and courageous, it's just anger. I wish you the best! No matter which emotion is the one we typically show there are some situations where NO emotion would be really good!

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

Deep breaths - try to focus on something other than what is upsetting you. If it's a situation that is making you angry/crying - just focus your energy on resolving the issue - making yourself stronger.

Good luck and lots of hugs!!

 

[luvflorida]

Okay, this might sound silly, but it works MOST of the time for me. I'm also someone who can cry at the drop of a hat, and there are times when I want to hold it all together.

If I feel like something, or someone, is going to get the best of me, I start to recite the alphabet to myself. I concentrate on saying, and visualizing, each letter very carefully. It helps to take my mind off the situation that is causing me to be emotional. Sounds weird, but it has helped me in many situations.

 

[pearlieq]

A couple of suggestions:

1.) As other people have said--long, slow, deep, rhythmic breathing can calm you. Try picking a calming word (peace, grace, calm, etc.) to repeat to yourself as you breathe.

2.) Right before you go into the situation, take a minute and tighten every single muscle in your body. Work really hard at it and tighten as hard as you can, hold it for a count of 5, then release all of the tension.

3.) If you find the urge to cry coming on, and you absolutely MUST not, bite your tongue or cheek as hard as you can. It's not pretty, but the pain may distract you from the urge to cry.

4.) If you have some time, process as much of it as you can now. Allow yourself to cry, scream, hit a pillow, etc. as much as you need now. Don't stop until you feel like stopping. Crying triggers a very powerful chemical response in your brain--it's why people suddenly feel calm, numb, or even a little sleepy once they cry themselves out.

5.) Try to think through all of the possible outcomes of the situation and how you would handle them. Most of our anxiety comes from the unknown. If you can think about the scenarios and start to come up with a plan, you might feel somewhat calmer and more in control.

Good luck to you. I really hope everything turns out OK.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Would you be comfortable sharing what kind of situation this is? Maybe we could be more helpful

 

[Marseeya]

I know one, but it can look a little weird.

Roll your eyes up. Supposedly it stops or blocks the tear ducts. I read about that trick somewhere once and it really does work for me.

Good luck on whatever you're about to face. I hope it all turns out well for you.

 

[Pixiedust34]

That "deep breaths" thing really works. Allow some extra oxygen into your system.

When talking, slow down and pause now and then. It'll give you a chance to take that deep breath and to collect your thoughts.

It might help to have a bottle of water along to sip now and then.

Think, "Be strong!" A postivie attitude can be empowering.

I hope that your situation turns out OK.

 

[Ranatra]

I've actually gotten really good at this as I've gotten older. You CAN be in control. Tell yourself, you will NOT cry, and then think happy thoughts.

I made up my mind I was NOT going to cry at my DD's wedding, that it was a happy and joyous occasion. Well, the groom got tears in his eyes saying his vows and all the women in the church cried, except me. I was the only one dry eyed.
The thing that almost got me, I looked over and saw my grown son with tears in his eyes watching his sister say her vows. That was very touching.

Good Luck with your situation.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am another one who can cry at anything. If I know I am going into a situation in which I don't want to cry, I try to be prepared for it. Before the situation or meeting, I will almost "rehearse" what might go on and practice what I might say, or do, or question. This way I am better prepared and can try to control my emotions more. After everything is over and I am alone, I know I can cry or scream or whatever I want. I hope everything goes the way you want.

 

[In a hurry]

I hope you made it thru OK. I am a crier, and I hate it sometimes.

 

[Serena]

I"m sorry for whatever this is.

Sometimes I can hold it together and sometimes not. For whatever is going on, you can do this. You can be strong and graceful. Just take it a minute at a time.

 

[KelNottAt]

I wish I could help, but I'm of no use to you.

I got misty-eyed and a lump in my throat just reading about what you're about to face.

 

[helens042266]

I am a total crier when I get in tough situations - especially confrontational ones. My boss, who can also be a crier, told me to try this trick. Pinch yourself between your first finger and thumb. It has kept me from crying numerous times. My only other problem is that I break out in hives all over my chest and face......so noticable and I have never been able to control that!

 

[ADisneygirl]

I see with the exception of one, we are all a bunch of criers here who have answered this thread!

I admit to being one too. When faced with a situation where I really want to control my emotions, I find myself daydreaming of another time, another place. I focus on that and it helps me to remain tear-free. Good luck to you.