Do you ever get that weird, restless feeling where everything feels a little…off?
It’s almost a nagging sensation and can often be attributed to something you’re feeling but haven’t spotted yet. It’s a stowaway emotion.
This is where learning to name your emotions comes into its own. No, It’s not some fluffy self-help trick or the latest TikTok fad, this one is based on considerable research from psychologists around the globe. If you like, it’s just basic emotional hygiene. Like brushing your teeth, but for your brain instead.
When you don’t name what you’re feeling, it doesn’t just disappear. It sulks in the corner, lurks in your brain and niggles you until it shows up dressed as a headache or a snarky comment you didn’t mean to make.
Let’s be honest: most of us treat our emotions like distant relatives at a wedding. We nod politely, pretend we remember their names, and hope they don’t sit next to us during dinner. But here’s the thing, those emotional guests? They’re not going anywhere. They live with us. Rent-free. And if we don’t start calling them out by name, they’ll soon outstay their welcome.
Still not convinced?
Think of it like this: emotions are like toddlers. If you ignore them, they’ll scream louder. But if you kneel down, look them in the eye, and say, “Hey, I see you’re upset because your banana broke in half,” they calm down. (Well, most the time).
The same goes for your inner monologue. Our emotions want to be seen. Named. Recognised. Acknowledged. They’re happening for a reason. Learning to name your emotions is a part of developing emotional intelligence.
When you say, “I’m feeling anxious,” instead of “I’m just off today,” you’re not being dramatic, you’re actually being precise.
You’re shining a light on a problem making it easier to see. Once you give it a label, the brain knows how to react and in turn your nervous system calms down. You don’t have to fix the emotion right away. Just saying, ‘Hey, I see you’ can take the edge off.
And finally, remember, all of your emotions can benefit from a name so don’t let the positive ones sneak past unnoticed! Calling out when you’re proud, curious, satisfied and excited is good hygiene too and it helps your brain balance its emotional intake.
We deliver Emotional Intelligence sessions at all levels so if you want to be able to Name It to Tame It then get in touch. We’d love to help.
Sara
