Introduction: Most times we see ourselves reacting to situations because of how we feel and after that, we found out that we are exhausted, this shows that our actions are mostly propelled by our emotions or feelings and these feelings determines our mood. According to Joseph Forgas in the 1990s, affect or mood and emotions, can influence cognitive processes and decision-making.
Your decision and cognitive process are most times as a result of how we feel, any feeling or emotions are formed from the information we take to the brain through the five senses.
Example: We watch videos, see people behave and act in different ways, we hear our teachers and fellow students talk to us, we feel the hands of our parents when the hold us, we taste our meals and we breath and perceive either good smell or bad smell, all these are taken to the brain for processing, storage and usage. This information that is sent to the brain, is being processed by the brain and it sends signal to the body, which results to the release of hormones that help the body to either fight, flight or be in balance position. That’s why we cover our nose when someone pollutes the air, we run when we see a lion or any lower animal that the brain stored as a harmful animal, it is also the reason why we hate some of our classmates because of the rumours we heard, some students don’t like the taste of some food, so they decline when they see it, once the eyes sees the food and the nose perceive the smell, the brain receive the information and reminds us of the last outcome when we took them, All these comes as an emotion before we see our self-reacting, we feel sad perceiving polluted air and feel happy when we receive gifts , good meals and have a good grade.
If our emotions are negative, it will definitely affect our study and plans, no one can study well if he or she is feeling sad, plans can’t be achieving if we have fear, we can only succeed in all these if our emotions are positive.
What is Mastery: According to oxford dictionary, it means;
- Acquires complete knowledge or skill
- Gain control of; overcome
it refers to the state of achieving a high level of proficiency, skill, or expertise in a particular field or domain. It involves reaching a level of competence where one can consistently perform at an advanced level and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Emotions: A conscious experience, strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others, it plays a crucial role in our daily lives, influencing our thoughts, behaviours, and overall well-being.
Emotions are reactions that human beings experience in response to events or situations. The type of emotion a person experiences is determined by the circumstance that triggers the emotion. For instance, a person experiences joy when they receive good news and fear when they are threatened.
Emotions have a strong influence on our daily lives. We make decisions based on whether we are happy, angry, sad, bored, or frustrated. We also choose activities and hobbies based on the emotions they incite, some emotions include Joy, anger, fear, sad, disgust etc. Understanding and mastering emotions can help us navigate life with greater ease and stability.
What is mastering emotions?
Emotional Mastery is the process of becoming aware of and learning to direct your emotional states – how you feel moment to moment – and using it to your advantage. Having complete knowledge and gaining control of how you feel.
What happens when you are unable to master your emotions?
Difficulty in decision-making: Emotions can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive decision-making. If you’re unable to regulate your emotions, it becomes harder to make rational choices, and you may act on fleeting emotions rather than considering the long-term consequences.
Strained relationships: Uncontrolled emotions can strain relationships with family, friends, and classmates. Outbursts of anger, excessive mood swings, or an inability to empathize with others’ feelings can create tension and distance in personal and professional interactions.
Negative impact on well-being: Unmanaged emotions can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Chronic stress, anxiety, and mood disorders may arise, affecting your overall quality of life. Prolonged periods of negative emotions can lead to feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and even make you not to achieve your plans.
Academic and professional setbacks: Inability to manage emotions can impact your academic performance or professional growth. Emotional outbursts, difficulty focusing, and a lack of motivation may hinder your ability to concentrate, meet deadlines, study and collaborate effectively with others.
Reduced problem-solving skills: Emotions play a crucial role in problem-solving. If you’re overwhelmed by negative emotions, it becomes challenging to think clearly and find effective solutions to challenges. This can hinder personal and academic growth.
Here are some strategies that can help you to master your emotions for academic and personal success
Label or name your emotion: Write down how you feel, give it a name, trace the causes or triggers and try learn how to cope, ask questions and speak to adults about your feelings, this will help you have a deep knowledge about your emotions. Once you have identified the emotion, use specific and descriptive language to label it. Instead of simply saying “I’m upset,” try to delve deeper and identify if you’re feeling disappointed, hurt, or overwhelmed. The more precise you are in describing your emotions, the better you can understand and address them. Avoid judging or dismissing your emotions as “good” or “bad.” Accept that it’s normal and human to experience a wide range of emotions, and give yourself permission to feel them without judgment and you will be able to unlearn and solve the problem.
Self-awareness: Develop the ability to identify and understand your own emotions. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and reactions in various situations. This awareness allows you to better manage your emotions and make more conscious choices.
Emotional regulation: Learn techniques to regulate your emotions effectively. This involves recognizing when you’re experiencing strong emotions and finding healthy ways to cope with them. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and engaging in physical activity are some strategies that can help manage emotions.
Positive self-talk: Be mindful of the way you speak to yourself. Replace negative self-talk with positive and encouraging statements. This can help you build resilience, boost self-confidence, and maintain a positive mind-set.
Stress management: Develop strategies to manage stress effectively. This can include practicing time management, setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and taking breaks when needed. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as hobbies or exercise, can also help reduce stress levels.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals when you need support. Talking about your emotions and challenges can provide perspective, guidance, and reassurance.
Empathy and understanding: Cultivate empathy towards others, as it helps you build stronger relationships. Understanding and considering others’ perspectives and emotions can foster better communication and collaboration, both academically and personally.
Goal setting and visualization: Set clear goals that align with your academic and personal aspirations. Visualize yourself achieving those goals, and use this visualization as motivation. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain focus and track progress.
Resilience: Develop resilience by viewing setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes, bounce back from challenges, and maintain a positive attitude. Resilience helps you persevere through difficulties and stay motivated towards success.