Among the many things that contribute to the human experience are emotions. We get to feel a range of basic emotions, such as fear, sadness, and happiness, that help in our understanding of and ability to respond to the people and environment around us. Every emotion has a unique response and purpose in our lives; no two have the same impact. As a result, it’s important to understand how it develops so as to manage it properly and improve communication and interpersonal connections.
What Are Emotions?
Like Fehr and Russell wrote in their research on the Concept of Emotions as stated by the National Library of Medicine, “Everyone knows what an emotion is, until asked to give a definition. Then, it seems, no one knows.”
American Psychology Association, APA states that “emotions are conscious mental reactions (such as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feelings usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body.”
Common Basic Emotions
There are 6 common basic emotions which were first proposed by an emotional psychologist, Paul Ekman in 1972. The list of emotions Ekman came up with which is also known as the “6 universal facial expressions” as per Study, included happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and surprise. Let’s describe each one of them.
- Happiness: A feeling of pleasure, contentment, or joy.
- Sadness: A feeling of sorrow, loss, or unhappiness.
- Fear: A feeling of anxiety or apprehension about a potential threat or danger.
- Anger: A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.
- Disgust: A feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval.
- Surprise: A feeling of shock or astonishment caused by something unexpected.
Example of emotional display and facial expression descriptions
How To Express Emotions Healthily
Emotions are felt, and whatever is felt needs an expression or reaction. When these feelings are voiced, it can lead to a greater understanding of issues and, depending on the circumstances, may result in problem solutions.
However, bottled up emotions can cause stress, anxiety, sadness, and, in certain situations, high blood pressure. You can express yourself in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you. Let’s have a look at some practical steps.
Step 1: Identify your emotions. Take a moment to reflect on how you are currently feeling and why. Are you disappointed with yourself or someone? Are you anxious? Asking yourself similar questions will help you identify your emotions.
Step 2: Keep your communication clear. You will be able to figure out at the first step if your feelings are directed just at you or whether they are related to someone else after meditating on your feelings.
If your emotions have to do with you:
- Accept your emotions without judgment and allow yourself to feel that particular emotion.
- Reflect on why you feel the way you do.
- Treat yourself with the same compassion that you would extend to someone else if they had approached you with the same feelings that are destroying you.
- Find ways to manage your emotions; they can include physical activity like exercising, mental practices like mindfulness and relaxation techniques, or creative expression like singing or drawing.
- Set a realistic goal that will enable you to gradually manage your emotions. One instance is having overwhelming feelings, which could result in fear. If a new workload is overwhelming you, you can begin by making a to-do list and cross things off one by one as you go.
- If your emotions are causing severe issues like anger issues, it’s advisable you seek professional help.
If your emotions have to do with others:
Begin an open conversation in which you are honest with the other person. Always try not to blame anyone for the circumstance. All you have to do is express how and why you feel that way. Example: “I am sad because…”
Listen to what the other person has to say and avoid interrupting them. That way, you respect the other person’s point of view. Ask questions to better understand how they feel, which will allow you to discover common ground.
Set boundaries if necessary.
Conclusion
Every emotion has a unique response and purpose in our lives; no two have the same impact. As a result, it’s important to understand how it develops so as to manage it properly and improve communication and interpersonal connections.
The list of emotions Ekman came up with which is also known as the “6 universal facial expressions” as per Study, included happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and surprise. Let’s describe each one of them. Bottled up emotions can cause stress, anxiety, sadness, and, in certain situations, high blood pressure. You can express yourself in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you like identifying your emotions and keeping your communication clear.
