Have you ever paused to think about how you label your emotions? Do you find yourself using the feeling labels at the center of this wheel more often than words farther out on the wheel? The Feeling Wheel is a good tool to help us to identify more details connected to the feelings that we are experiencing. The research on labeling our emotions with greater precision indicates that it results in feeling less overwhelmed and being more likely to choose healthy coping strategies to manage those emotions. In addition a more precise label provides more detailed information about what action(s) might be best to deal with the situation generating the strong emotion. Simply stated putting your feelings into words can work to reduce your stress and distress.
The next time you are experiencing a strong emotion pause for a moment, notice the label you are inclined to give that emotion and consider if you can label that feeling with more precision. What happens when you choose words farther out on the wheel? does your body respond differently? are your thoughts impacted?
This can also be a great strategy to teach the children and teens in our lives as well.
