There’s a thin line between being in touch with your emotions and being controlled by them.
Being in tune with your feelings is healthy, but when emotions dictate your every decision, it’s a whole different ball game.
You see, when we let our emotions steer the wheel, we often make choices that aren’t in our best interests.
Today, I’m going to share six signs that might indicate your feelings are running the show.
Ready to take back control of the driver’s seat?
Let’s dive in.
1) Overreacting to small setbacks
“What disturbs men’s minds is not events but their judgements on events” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
We all have those days when things just don’t go our way.
But there’s a difference between being upset about a bad day and letting a minor hiccup ruin your entire mood.
If you find yourself overreacting to small problems, it might be an indication that your emotions are dictating your actions more than they should.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel upset when something goes wrong. It’s just about bringing a sense of perspective into the equation.
So next time you face a small setback, ask yourself: “Am I letting this small issue control my entire emotional state?” This self-awareness can help you regain control and keep your emotions in check.
2) Making impulsive decisions
I’ve been there. I once made a snap decision based on a moment of high emotion. It wasn’t pretty.
A few years ago, I was so frustrated with a project at work that I impulsively decided to quit. Only afterward did I realize how much I had overreacted.
If you notice a pattern of making rushed decisions in moments of strong emotion, only to regret them later, it might be a sign that your emotions are controlling you. It’s crucial to learn to pause, step back, and evaluate before making important decisions.
Believe me, taking that moment of calm can save you from a lot of regret.
3) Frequent mood swings
We all have our ups and downs, but when your mood seems to swing from one extreme to another without a clear reason, it could be a sign that you’re being controlled by your emotions.
One moment you’re laughing heartily at a joke, and the next, you’re feeling irritated or upset for no apparent reason. These abrupt shifts in mood can be disorienting and exhausting.
Being aware of these frequent mood swings can be the first step towards understanding your emotions better and learning to manage them more effectively. It’s not about suppressing your feelings, but rather about achieving a more balanced emotional state.
4) Struggling with constant worry
“The true felicity of life is to be free from perturbations, to understand our duties towards God and man: to enjoy the present without any anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
Life is full of uncertainties, and it’s natural to worry from time to time. But when worry becomes a constant companion, it might be an indication that your emotions are taking over.
You find yourself worrying about things that haven’t happened yet, or overanalyzing past events, and it feels like you’re trapped in a cycle of fear and anxiety.
It’s hard, I know. But recognizing this pattern is the first step towards breaking free. You are more than your worries and fears. And with the right tools and support, you can learn to manage these emotions and lead a happier, calmer life.
5) Feeling emotionally drained
I remember a time when I would end each day feeling completely spent. Not from physical exertion, but from the emotional rollercoaster I was on.
When your emotions are constantly in control, it’s like being on a never-ending ride with all its highs and lows. It can leave you feeling depleted, exhausted, and with little energy for anything else.
If you often end your day feeling emotionally drained, it could be a sign that your emotions are in the driver’s seat. Recognizing this can be the first step towards taking back control and finding more emotional balance.
6) Neglecting self-care
When your emotions take control, self-care often takes a backseat.
You may skip meals, forget to hydrate, or lose sleep over worries and anxieties. Or you might neglect your hobbies and interests, as emotional turmoil leaves little room for anything else.
Remember, taking care of your physical well-being is crucial in managing your emotional health. If you notice a pattern of neglecting self-care when you’re overwhelmed by emotions, it’s a clear sign that you need to regain control. Prioritizing self-care is not just about feeling good, it’s about gaining resilience to cope with whatever life throws at you.
Final thoughts: Emotions are not the enemy
Emotions, in all their complexity, are a fundamental part of being human. They add depth to our experiences and guide our interactions with the world around us.
However, when they start to take control, it’s essential to step back and evaluate. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards understanding if your emotions are controlling you more than they should.
But always remember, emotions are not the enemy. They’re signals, telling us something about ourselves and our relationship with our environment.
The key is not to suppress or ignore these signals, but to learn how to manage them effectively. To navigate through them without letting them take over the wheel.
As you reflect on these signs and your own emotional journey, remember that change is possible. You have the power to regain control and lead a balanced emotional life. And that’s a power worth harnessing.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
