Self-regulation also involves the ability to rebound from disappointment and to act in a way consistent with your values.
It is one of the five key components ofemotional intelligence.
This article discusses how self-regulation develops and the important impact it can have.
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If this description reminds you of mindfulness, that’s no accidentmindfulnessdoes indeed relate to the ability to self-regulate.
Children often struggle with these behaviors, and adults may as well.
It’s easy to see how a lack of self-regulation will cause problems in life.
An adult with poor self-regulation skills may lackself-confidenceandself-esteemand have trouble handling stress and frustration.
Often, this might result in anger or anxiety.
In more severe cases, it can even lead to being diagnosed with a mental health condition.
If you value academic achievement, it will allow you to study instead of slack off before a test.
Researchers have found that self-regulation skills are tied to a range of positive health outcomes.
This includes better resilience to stress, increased happiness, and better overall well-being.
Recap
Self-regulation can play an important role in relationships, well-being, and overall success in life.
Common Self-Regulation Problems
How do problems with self-regulation develop?
It could start early, such as an infant being neglected.
This strategy involves changing thought patterns.
Specifically, cognitive reappraisal involves reinterpreting a situation for change the emotional response to it.
For example, imagine a friend did not return your calls or texts for several days.
Some other useful strategies for self-regulation include acceptance and problem-solving.
In contrast, unhelpful strategies that people sometimes use include avoidance, distraction, suppression, and worrying.
you could improve your self-regulation skills by practicing mindfulness and changing how you think about the situation.
How Do You Practice Self-Regulation?
Routines help children learn what to expect, which makes it easier for them to feel comfortable.
When children act in ways that don’t demonstrate self-regulation, ignore their requests.
For example, if they interrupt a conversation, don’t stop your discussion to attend to their needs.
Tell that that they will need to wait.
Start to restore balance by focusing on your deeply held values, rather than those transient emotions.
Look beyond momentary discomfort to the larger picture.
Recognizing your options can help you put your self-regulation skills into practice.
Focus on identifying what you are feeling, but remember that feelings are not facts.
Giving yourself time to stay calm and deliberate your options can help you make better choices.
Developing self-regulation skills will improve your resilience and ability to face difficult circumstances in life.
However, if you find you are unable to teach yourself to self-regulate, consider consulting amental health professional.
A trained therapist can help you learn and implement strategies and skills specific to your situation.
Therapy can also be a great place to practice those skills for use in your everyday life.
Emotional intelligence refers to a person’s ability to recognize, interpret, and regulate emotions.
This ability plays an important part in self-regulation and also contributes to the development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
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