I run into quite a few ADDers who live so much in their heads that they aren’t truly in touch with their feelings. As a matter of fact, I can be one of those persons, too. When we don’t know what emotion we’re feeling, we aren’t able to include emotional information in our decision-making. This can lead to decisions we regret or that aren’t right for us.
If you recognize yourself in this description, here are a couple of strategies you might try:
- Pause a few times a day and check in with your body. Is there tension, tightness, or something uncomfortable somewhere in your body? If so, describe what you notice in your body. Don’t try to interpret it; just describe what you are physically feeling (“My shoulder is tight” or “There’s a knot in my stomach.”). As you notice what your body is experiencing, without thinking, say to yourself, “I am feeling ___________.” Be curious about the feeling and what might have caused it. Over time, your body can help you learn what you are feeling.
- Pause once a day and complete this sentence: “If something today could have triggered a strong feeling (or you can insert a specific feeling, like anger) in me, it would be _____________.”
We can learn to tune in and recognize our emotions, and once we do, we have more choice about our actions and decisions.