Emotionally Intense

"What you consistently speak with emotional intensity, you will experience, you will create, and you will become. The words that you speak with emotional conviction become the life you live - this is your heaven or this is your hell."

― Tony Robbins

April 1, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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Do you often feel like your emotions are all over the place? Does it seem like your emotions control you, rather than the other way around? Being emotionally intense refers to experiencing strong and powerful emotions that are often overwhelming and difficult to manage. If you are emotionally intense you may find yourself easily swept away by your emotions, whether it be joy, anger, sadness, or other intense feelings. You may have heightened sensitivity and reactivity to your emotions, leading to intense responses in various situations. Managing and coping with such intense emotions can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to navigate through them effectively.

Here are some common signs that you may be emotionally intense:

1. Feeling emotions very deeply and intensely, often to the point of being overwhelming.
   
   
2. Reacting strongly and impulsively to emotional triggers or situations, with little control over responses.
   
   
3. Experiencing frequent mood swings or extreme fluctuations in mood.
   
   
4. Having difficulty regulating and managing emotions, leading to frequent outbursts or breakdowns.
   
   
5. Finding it challenging to cope with stress, as emotions may become overwhelming and impact daily functioning.
   
   
6. Being highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others, often absorbing and internalizing their emotions as well.
   
   
7. Engaging in impulsive behaviors or seeking extreme ways to express or alleviate intense emotions, such as through self-harm or excessive substance use.
   
   
8. Having difficulty in relationships due to intense emotional reactions or volatility.
   
   
9. Finding it challenging to "let go" or move on from experiences, as emotions may linger for extended periods of time.
   
   
10. Feeling a constant need to express emotions, often struggling with emotional regulation and control.

Here are 8 strategies to help you overcome being emotionally intense:

1. Developing self-awareness: Paying close attention to your emotions, thoughts, and triggers can help you better understand your emotions and learn to recognize when you're becoming overwhelmed.
   
   
2. Practicing emotional regulation techniques: Learning and practicing healthy coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and grounding techniques can help you manage and regulate intense emotions in the moment.
   
   
3. Building healthy coping skills: Engaging in healthy activities that help you relax, de-stress, and release tension, such as exercise, hobbies, and creative outlets, can provide you with healthy ways to cope with intense emotions.
   
   
4. Challenging negative thought patterns: You can often have strong negative thought patterns that can contribute to the intensity of your emotions. Learning to challenge and reframe negative thoughts can help you manage your emotions more effectively.
   
   
5. Setting healthy boundaries: Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries can help you prevent emotional overwhelm from external sources and allow you to prioritize self-care and emotional well-being.
   
   
6. Practicing self-care: Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through regular self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when needed can help you manage your emotions more effectively.
   
   
7. Engaging in relaxation techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or aromatherapy can help you calm your nervous system and manage intense emotions.
   
   
8. Practicing self-compassion: Being kind and compassionate to yourself, and treating yourself with understanding and patience, can help you navigate intense emotions with greater resilience and self-care.

Overcoming emotional intensity can lead to a more balanced and harmonious emotional state. By learning to manage emotions effectively, seeking support when needed, and engaging in healthy coping mechanisms, you can create a life where emotions are experienced in a more manageable and constructive way. This can result in improved relationships, increased well-being, and a greater sense of emotional stability and resilience, allowing you to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and ease.