Can Listening to Your Feelings Help Reduce Stress?

Feeling stressed is part of life. We all feel worried, scared, or sad sometimes. But did you know that simply listening to your feelings can help you feel better? We will look at how paying attention to our emotions can ease stress. We will also share simple steps you can try to explain how Yapriah Life & Healing PLLC can help you on your journey to feeling calm and assertive.

What Are Feelings?

Feelings are messages from our mind and body.

• When your heart beats fast, you might feel nervous.

• When your shoulders tighten, you might feel tense.

• When your chest feels light, you might feel happy.

All these messages tell us something. If we learn to listen, we can understand what our body needs.

Why Listening Matters

Notice Stress Early

• If you pay attention to your feelings, you can catch stress before it grows. Like a tight jaw or racing thoughts, slight hints can warn you.

Feel Understood

• When we name our feelings, we feel seen and heard by ourselves. Saying "I feel worried" can help you feel less alone.

Choose a Good Response

• If you know you feel sad, you can choose to rest or talk to a friend. If you feel angry, you can take a deep breath before you speak.

  
  

Simple Steps to Listen to Feelings

Pause for a Moment

• Stop what you're doing for a few seconds. Close your eyes if you can.

Ask Yourself

• "What am I feeling right now?" You might say it out loud or think it quietly.

Name the Feeling

• Pick one word: "I feel nervous," "I feel sad," "I feel tired."

Notice Where It Is

• Pay attention to your body. Is your chest tight? Is your head heavy?

Breathe With It

• Take slow, deep breaths. Imagine you breathe in calm and breathe out tension.

Decide What to Do

• If you need a break, step away for a minute.

• If you need help, reach out to a friend or counselor.

• If you need movement, go for a short walk or stretch.

  
  

How This Reduces Stress

• Less Build-Up: By noticing early, you stop stress from growing too big.

• More Control: Naming feelings helps you feel like you have choices.

• Better Care: You learn what you need, rest, talk, or action.

  
  

Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

"I don't have time."

• Even one deep breath can help. Try a five-second pause.

"I don't know my feelings."

• Start simple. Choose from a list of feelings: happy, sad, angry, scared, calm, tired.

"I feel guilty for feeling this way."

• Emotions are not right or wrong. They are signals. It is okay to feel.

  
  

Role of Thoughts

Thoughts and feelings work together.

• If you think, "I can't do this," you may feel anxious.

• If you think, "I will try," you may feel hopeful.

Notice your thoughts, too. Ask: "Is this thought true? Does it help me?"

Using the Idea at School or Home

• Kids at School: If a test makes you nervous, notice that feeling. Breathe and remember you studied.

• Parents at Home: If you feel tired, ask for help or a nap.

Teaching children to listen to feelings helps them grow up strong and calm.

Can Listening to Your Feelings Help Reduce Stress?

Yes! Making a habit of checking in can change your day. Here is a simple plan:

• Morning Check-In: Before leaving home, ask, "How do I feel?"

• Midday Pause: Take two deep breaths at lunch and name your feelings.

• Evening Reflection: Before bed, write down one feeling and what you did.

Doing this daily builds a friendly habit between you and your feelings.

How Yapriah Life & Healing PLLC Supports You

At Yapriah, we believe in caring for the whole of you. Here is what we offer:

Person-Centered Community Care

• We focus on you and your journey. You are valued at every step.

Research-Based Treatments

• We use proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and positive psychology.

  
  

Our Eclectic Approach

• We mix many therapies. This helps us meet your unique needs:

• Strength-Based Counseling

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

• Resiliency & Empowerment

• Trauma-Informed Treatment

• Positive Psychology

• Motivational Interviewing

  
  

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Schedule with our DBT-trained mental health professional. DBT teaches skills to manage big emotions, handle challenging situations, and build better relationships.

Putting It All Together

• Listen to Feelings

• Name Them

• Breathe

• Choose Action

• Seek Support

By doing these steps, you honor yourself. You tell your mind and body, "I see you. I care."

Final Thoughts

Stress will come and go. But when you learn to listen to your feelings, you give yourself a powerful tool. You learn early what you need. You gain calm and control. And you grow stronger each day.

If you are stuck, remember that Yapriah Life & Healing PLLC is here. Our caring team will guide you, cheer for you, and help you build your needed skills. You do not have to face stress alone. Contact us today.

FAQs

Q. When should I check my feelings?

Try a quick pause in the morning, at lunch, and before bed.

Q. What if I feel stuck?

Talk to a friend or reach out to a counselor at Yapriah Life & Healing.

Q. Is it normal to have many feelings?

Yes. Noticing each feeling helps you know what you need.