How to handle big feelings — in the moment
What to do when something's churning and you can't make sense of it.
Something's off, you're churned up, but you couldn't say what it is.
— Right now
- Pause and scan the body — chest, gut, jaw, shoulders? The body flags it first.
- Run the short list: am I angry, scared, sad, hurt, ashamed, or knackered?
- Putting one word on it settles the alarm. Name it to tame it.
— Don't
- Don't bury it under busyness — it leaks out sideways later.
— Later
- It's a skill, not a flaw. It builds with reps, same as fitness.
Something's off, you're churned up, but you couldn't say what it is.
— Right now
- Pause and scan the body — chest, gut, jaw, shoulders? The body flags it first.
- Run the short list: am I angry, scared, sad, hurt, ashamed, or knackered?
- Putting one word on it settles the alarm. Name it to tame it.
— Don't
- Don't bury it under busyness — it leaks out sideways later.
— Later
- It's a skill, not a flaw. It builds with reps, same as fitness.
Feelings: the short version
- 1.Scan the body — it flags it before the words come.
- 2.Name it to tame it. One word settles the alarm.
- 3.Anger's often a cover — look underneath.
- 4.Bottling is delay, with interest.
- 5.Say one true thing to one person.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14