Your journal can be immensely valuable as an "emotional" resource.
Use it to explore your emotions: How does an emotion feel in your body? What do you do when you're in the midst of a strong emotion?
This week, gauge your emotions. Label whatever you're feeling. Mostly we're unaware of our emotions unless they become strong, and when they're strong, we can be carried away by them.
Do your best. :-)
Here's an exercise. The next time you get bad news, or stub your toe, or someone annoys you, write in your journal.
Write:
* a brief five-sentence description of what happened - the event which triggered the emotion;
* a description of your physical reaction - blushing, tightness in your chest etc;
* physical actions - did you sit down? Walk around? Smash a plate?
* the aftermath of the emotion and how you feel. Emotions release powerful hormones, and these have a lingering effect. For example, if you're afraid, adrenaline is released, and it can leave you shaking.
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