Building Emotional Awareness

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Emotional awareness helps us know and accept ourselves. So how can you become more aware of your emotions? Start with these three simple steps:

1. Make a habit of tuning in to how you feel in different situations throughout the day: 

You might notice that you feel excited after making plans to go somewhere with a friend. Or that you feel nervous before an exam. You might be relaxed when listening to music, inspired by an art exhibit, or pleased when a friend gives you a compliment. Simply notice whatever emotion you feel, then name that emotion in your mind. It only takes a second to do this, but it's great practice. Notice that each emotion passes and makes room for the next experience.

2. Rate how strong the feeling is:  

After you notice and name an emotion, take it a step further: Rate how strongly you feel the emotion on a scale of 1–10, with 1 being the mildest feeling and 10 the most intense.

3. Share your feelings with the people closest to you: 

This is the best way to practice putting emotions into words, a skill that helps us feel closer to friends, boyfriends or girlfriends, parents, coaches — anyone. Make it a daily practice to share feelings with a friend or family member. You could share something that's quite personal or something that's simply an everyday emotion.

Just like anything else in life, when it comes to emotions, makes perfect! Remind yourself there are no good or bad emotions. Don't judge your feelings — just keep noticing and naming them.


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