Do you really need to be in control of your emotions?

An often touched-upon topic of the debate seems to be whether or not it is better to be in control of your emotions, or let them run loose. While there are logical arguments to be made for either side, only one choice can be the right one for you, and in this article, we will try to help you figure out why it’s important to be in control of your emotions. 

First of all, what are the arguments against controlling your emotions? 

Some people believe that being in control and tempering your emotional reactions can impact the way you experience life. For example, if you are always fully in control, you run less of a risk to sway towards an extreme, and while negative extremes are always something people wish to avoid, it’s not always so for positive extremes. 

For example, if I am in control of my emotions, I don’t get to experience extreme passion or joy.  

Also, emotional control implies having a more cautious approach to people and things around us, which may affect relationships. In order to maintain my emotional control in a new relationship, for example, I would have to ease myself into this new situation, rather than jump head-first into the unknown. 

Now, there is much to be said for hurling yourself toward the unknown, as it provides quite a potent thrill for many. But is this impression of a more authentic emotional experience worth all the downsides of not being in control, emotionally? We think not. 

Why should you strive toward emotional control? 

The biggest argument to be made for emotional control is that it helps us react to stressful situations. Take, for example, the recent Covid-19 pandemic, during which lots of people were forced to make some significant changes to their lifestyle. Those who were in control emotionally were theoretically better prepared to adapt to these changes.  

Emotional control comes in handy at your job, as well as in your personal life, and helps you make rational, informed decisions that are likely to benefit you in the long term. 

Another big pro point for emotional control is that you inspire what you practice. On average, people who take good care of themselves and showcase emotional balance tend to inspire that in others.  

Example: Imagine you are having an argument with someone. Now, a person who isn’t in control, emotionally, would allow their anger to get the best of them. They would scream, be rude, and generally worsen the situation. A person in control, on the other hand, would maintain a normal tone of voice and be able to argue their point of view rationally, thus inviting civility in the other person, as well.  

What does this mean for you? 

Being in control of your emotions helps you deal with the world around, and allows you to be happier, overall, because you are taking care of yourself. Furthermore, emotional control in the individual can also have a positive impact on others around him, thus making it a smart choice not just for you, but for your friends and family, also.  

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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