In this BIT: Psychologist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett explains how do emotions work, how to better understand emotions, and ways to manage feelings.
Our emotions affect the way that we go about our daily lives, navigating personal choices, inner-chatter, and relationships. They also contain a tremendous amount of information; indicating underlying experiences (positive or negative) that may be contributing to a certain feeling. In fact, emotions are rarely as surface level as ‘sadness’, or ‘anger’, or ‘excitement’, or ‘remorse’. They’re like vessels of information and experience. According to the 1% most cited psychologist and bestselling author, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, there’s more to our emotions than we know – and more that we can do to manage these feelings. Recently, Dr. Feldman Barrett joined our podcast, Hack Your Happiness, to share her top advice on how to manage our emotions. See our top three takeaways below.
As social beings, we are always trying to understand the emotions that other people are experiencing. Are our friends mad at us? Is our mom frustrated? Is our brother sad? While we can guess and predict these feelings; we will never be 100% accurate. Rather than guessing what other people are feeling, ask them! Communication is key in relationships. Plus, this way you won’t misinterpret your brother’s frustration about his science grade, to him being angry with you.
Dr. Feldman Barrett explains that uncertainty – not knowing what the future holds – is extremely metabolically draining. Why? When we are unsure of what the future holds, we begin thinking and imagining every possible outcome. This takes a lot of energy – and explains why teenagehood is so stressful! The same applies to relationships and friendships. When people switch-up in how they treat us (nice one day, cold or rude the next), we also spiral into a guessing game filled with uncertainty. While we can’t remove the uncertainties of life, we can remove ourselves from such toxic relationships. Reduce the uncertainty you face.
Kindness holds real biological consequences. It can boost immunity, strengthen your heart, reduce physical pain, and elevate your mood. Often, people treat us the way that we treat them; so be someone who lightens the load of people’s emotional stress. Spread kindness by complimenting others, helping with menial tasks (i.e. holding the door or bringing someone coffee or a small treat – like a chocolate bar!), and even smiling at people that you pass throughout your day.
We hope that these hacks from Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett help you understand emotions and manage feelings, bringing you a Small Bit of Happiness.
Listen to Dr. Feldman Barrett’s full episode here.
Find Lisa Feldman Barrett here:
Website: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
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