COPING WITH EMOTIONS LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION ORIENTATION TRAINING

COPING WITH EMOTIONS LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION ORIENTATION TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR TAC TUTORS COPING WITH EMOTIONS By SIMON NGIGI at Tom Mboya Labour College Kisumu 12/12/2021

Specific objectives By the end of the session the participant should be able to; 1. Define the term emotions 2. Identify different types of emotion 3. Explain the causes of various emotions 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of emotions 5. Learn how to effectively manage emotions 6. Develop and practice different skills that will enable them manage emotions. 12/12/2021

Introduction Definition • Emotion is a Latin word which means to set in motion. • Whatever you are feeling is an emotion. • Emotions are therefore strong feelings which are reactions to situations, people and issues. 12/12/2021

Effective Teaching of Life Skills • allow learners to actively participate. • look out for learners sensitive to various topics. • interactive and participatory teaching. • Give learners opportunity to explore their knowledge, attitudes and skills for managing and coping with emotions. 12/12/2021

Presentation of content • should be age appropriate. • as a teacher you are the student’s role model. • learners will observe and imitate your approach to coping with emotions. 12/12/2021

Components of emotions Emotion is a motivated state marked by: • Physiological arousal- emotions such as Fear, panic attack, stress, terrifying or traumatic event/ experience, makes your body develop – an alarm reaction (tremble, sweat, heart pounding, 12/12/2021

Components of emotions • Expressive behavior – when faced by a threatening situation man’s natural response is fight, flight or freeze. • Mental experiences – thinking of the power of what has been done to you, the interpretation you give the experience, the meaning you attach to it in relation to yourself and to others. 12/12/2021

Types of emotion • Positive emotions include, love, joy, happiness, calm, satisfaction, courage, confidence, peace, hope, optimism, euphoria. (right side of the brain) Activity: • Draw a happy face • How does It look like – it is attractive) 12/12/2021

Types of emotion Activity: • draw a sad face • How does it look like- it puts people off) 12/12/2021

Types of emotion • Negative emotions include: Anger, nervous, worry, fear, hurt, sadness, terror, irritation, frustration, depression, tension, upset, hate, jealousy, envy, shame, resentment, disgust, pessimism, inadequacy and hopelessness, (left side of the brain) 12/12/2021

Types of Emotions • Activity: • Pick an emotion and demonstrate it to the other person. 12/12/2021

Different situations that evoke emotions Feelings come from the experiences we undergo. The following are experiences which evoke emotions in us; • Loss • Success/praise • Comparisons 12/12/2021

Different situations that evoke emotions • • • Threats/shaming/blaming/belittling/yelling Low skills Lack of help when needed Negative home environment 12/12/2021

Different situations that evoke emotions • Negative peer remarks • Threatening situations rape, abuse, • Misunderstanding, failure, rebuke, teasing, insults, bereavement, stress, conflicts which provoke bad and negative/destructive emotions. 12/12/2021

Expression of emotions There are times people are unable to identify and communicate their emotions. Genuine disclosure of feelings is the only appropriate way to express emotions. • People tend to have problems with the expression of emotion. 12/12/2021

Expression of emotions Disclosure of emotions • There are constructive and destructive ways that people express their feelings. • One can express emotions in: • Verbal (spoken or written). Our voices and words convey emotions. 12/12/2021

Expression of emotions • Rate of speaking, pitch of voice, loudness e. t. c. a word can sound sincere or sarcastic depending on its vocal qualities. When happy your voice shows an increase in pitch. (role play two people meeting after a long time) in case of depression the person speaks in soft, flat voice with long pauses taking a long time – people may reject or be impatient with you. 12/12/2021

Expression of emotions • Non-verbal ways (smile, nod, frown, body movement, facial expressions (facial expressions are universal), physical appearance. They will express both positive and negative feelings. • Note: impressions may be good but they may be wrong if we use them as a guide to interactions) 12/12/2021

Expression of emotions. • Expression of emotions can be constructive or destructive. • Laughter, smile, crying (it can be a positive way of expressing joy), shouts of joy, dancing, love making. • Shouting, crying (as a way of releasing hurting emotions) hold back emotions in silence, avoidance, withdrawing, refusal to participate in activities, 12/12/2021

Influences on emotional expressions • • • Culture Gender Social roles Fear of self disclosure Religion 12/12/2021

Management of Emotions. Introduction • emotions that we experience are natural • are caused by either pleasant or unpleasant circumstances. • Emotions are unpredictable. • Management of your emotions is your own responsibility. 12/12/2021

To be able to cope with your emotions: 1. You first need to get in touch with your feeling (s). 12/12/2021

How to get in touch with your feelings; • Identify the emotion without censoring it. • Reflect on how the emotion is affecting you. • Where in your body do you feel the sensation • Understand what is happening to you • Acknowledge your feelings. 12/12/2021

How to get in touch with your feelings cont’d… • It is important to monitor your emotional reactions, • Note what is triggering the emotion • Record your self talk 12/12/2021

How to get in touch with your feelings cnt’d…. • Correct irrational beliefs – Perfection – Approval – overgeneralization, – limited amount of information, – I am the cause of other people’s misery or other people are the cause of my misery, not having your needs met, resentment, helplessness. 12/12/2021

How to get in touch with your feelings; • Decide on how you want to express the feeling. • Think before you act-consequences • You will need self control – learn to control the feelings so that you can express your feelings appropriately 12/12/2021

Coping with Emotions • There are positive and negative ways of coping emotions; – positive – Do not loose control of yourself – Keep calm in words and actions – Accept reality 12/12/2021

Coping with emotions – Think through the possible consequences of a situation – Think of alternative lines of action – Carry on with essential duties even if there is an upsetting event - 12/12/2021

Coping with Emotions – self distraction – listen to music/sing, – delay taking action, – take a walk, – sleep (I will sleep over it), 12/12/2021

Coping with Emotions – walk away, – take a deep breadth and count 1 – 10, – express emotions through writing, – confide in a trusted friend or family member, talk to a counselor, 12/12/2021

Values that promote coping with emotions. • • • Love Respect Peace Patience Cooperation Simplicity 12/12/2021 Understanding Safety Tolerance Responsibility Humility

End Thank you 12/12/2021