Embracing Your Emotions: 6 Effective Ways to Start to Feel Your Feelings

Do you feel disconnected? Our hectic lives and endless tasks can cause us to lose touch with ourselves and our true feelings. The more interruptions we face in maintaining this self-connection, and the longer it persists, the more we become detached from our genuine emotions, which can also end up impacting our relationships with others.

What is your perspective on your emotions? Do you consider them a hindrance, interfering with your ability to complete tasks effectively? Our attitude towards our emotions can obstruct us. It's natural for us to shy away from things we deem unimportant.

Our feelings and emotions are integral to the human experience, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot entirely ignore them or expect them to vanish. Suppressed feelings eventually manifest in unexpected ways.

Beginning to focus on your feelings can be intimidating; you might fear being overwhelmed or worry that once you start feeling them, it will be endless. The initial step in experiencing our feelings is to notice them.

Checking in with yourself and your feelings daily doesn't need to be an exhausting, or lengthy additional task. To create a new habit, breaking it down into something that feels manageable and making it as easy as possible is advised. This article will explore 6 methods that can serve as a starting point for doing so.

1. Disconnect from technology and dedicate some time to concentrate solely on your emotions without interruptions. With numerous distractions, it can be challenging to notice the messages our feelings send us. Eliminating these distractions and purposefully fostering a connection with ourselves is a beneficial initial step. Try redirecting your focus from the external to the internal, even if only for a few minutes.

2. Consider journaling and identifying any feelings you observe. If it's difficult to articulate the feeling, attempt to describe it. Observe where you sense it in your body and imagine what shape or colour it might be if visible. This process aids in connecting with your inner experience. Resources like the feelings wheel and mood meter can assist you in finding words for emotions that resonate with you.

   
   

3. Focus on your body by engaging in meditation or mindfulness practices. Notice any sensations as they emerge, identify where they are in your body, and try to stay with them for a while without trying to change them.

   
   

4. When you experience a strong or intense emotions, get curious about what activated you. What was happening in the moments just before you felt that feeling? Have you felt this feeling before? If so, when? Record your findings in your journal.

5. Check in with yourself throughout the day. Ask yourself how you are feeling. If you are short on time, try incorporating this habit into existing routines and practice checking in with yourself when you go to the loo, when you take a sip of water, when you brush your teeth or when you take a shower. Over time you will become familiar with it and it will feel more natural.

   
   

6. Working with a therapist can be a transformative experience, particularly when it comes to learning how to effectively express your emotions and feelings in a healthy way. A qualified therapist can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can begin to explore your emotional landscape relationally without fear of judgement.

   
   
   
   

Initially, becoming more in tune with your emotions might seem unfamiliar and difficult. As you begin to focus on yourself, you might feel numb, and maybe then frustrated, thinking you're not doing it correctly. Similar to any relationship, developing one with yourself can take time, especially if you've felt disconnected for a long period. Be patient and keep showing up consistently; you will get there.

If you are dealing with trauma, it's important to approach these methods of self-connection with care and perhaps discuss them with your therapist beforehand. While facing discomfort is essential for growth, the pace at which you do this is crucial. Additionally, it may be beneficial to think about how to handle any feelings of overwhelm that might arise when you focus on your internal process.

Disclaimer: Information and opinions in this blog do not constitute as therapy or personalised professional advice. If you feel that you would like personalised support from a qualified Psychotherapist you are welcome to book a free introductory call with me or search for a therapist on online directories such as the Counselling Directory or Psychology Today .

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