Emotional maturity: 7 tips for learning to deal with emotions

While it is important to experience emotions, dealing with them can be quite a challenge. The ideal is to understand what happens and not let yourself be dominated. This ability is called emotional maturity. Psychologists Brunara Reis Savaris (CRP 08/22988) and Aline Cristina (CRP/SP 06/110084) talked a little about the topic and brought some tips. Check it out below!

What is emotional maturity

According to Brunara, emotional maturity is related to emotional intelligence and the ability to deal with one’s emotions. “When I can be aware of my reactions to emotions and develop tolerance skills, that’s emotional maturity,” she added. She cited an example: “It is possible to feel anxious. The problem is not feeling the anxiety, but the ability to recognize it, accept it, use it when possible, and continue to function in spite of it.”

In the words of Aline, “emotional maturity refers to knowing how to recognize emotions and how to deal with them in different situations in life”. For her, it’s important to respect what you feel. “The person who is emotionally mature can understand the feeling of another, empathizing and recognizing when that feeling differs from theirs. Likewise, by recognizing his own emotions, he manages not to be influenced by others, respecting what they feel”, exemplified Aline.

7 benefits of emotional maturity that allow you to see the world in a lighter way

Both psychologists say that having emotional maturity does not mean being free from suffering. It is absolutely normal to feel anger, sadness or other negative feelings. However, you can handle it in a healthier way. Below, check out the benefits of being emotionally mature cited by professionals:

• Helps to deal with situations in a healthier way;
• Assistance in the process of self-knowledge;
• Improved tolerance to frustrations and setbacks;
• Greater ability to recognize and express your feelings;
• Improved personal relationships;
• Mood stability and balanced emotions;
• Avoid unnecessary suffering.

Brunara also highlighted that “every emotion is fundamental and knowing how to deal with it is essential in the journey of maturation”. Read on and follow the tips to reach emotional maturity.

7 tips to reach emotional maturity in your daily life

Aline and Brunara presented tips to help you reach emotional maturity. Here’s what you can adopt into your routine:

1. Develop self-knowledge

For Brunara, “the first step to achieving emotional maturity is to seek self-knowledge. Psychotherapy can help.”

2. Recognize and accept your emotions

“Understanding which emotions are felt in the face of situations is important to learn to deal with them”, explained Aline.

3. Learn to deal with frustrations

Brunara stressed that “negative emotions are inevitable, instead of trying to avoid them at all costs, it is possible to make them bearable. Develop some form of self-soothing. It can be relaxing in a comfortable armchair, listening to relaxing music, petting your pet”.

4. Accept the differences

In addition to self-acceptance, emotional maturity includes understanding and respecting the other. Aline mentioned that it is necessary “to understand that people have different thoughts from yours and that each one thinks in a different way”.

5. Journal your emotions

Psychologist Brunara recommended: “try to write down the positive and negative emotions you had throughout the day or week”.

6. Practice dialogue

“Remember that dialogue is not lecturing or saying what the other has to do. It is a practice to expose your feelings and make space for the other, listening to your feelings and positions”, commented Aline.

7. Be more flexible with yourself

For Brunara, it is important to be flexible with herself. “Try not to be so rigid in your way of thinking and be open to innovating and being creative”, concluded the psychologist.

As you can see, emotional maturity can be worked on daily and helps you deal more easily with the situations you face. Enjoy and learn to say no to set limits and respect your feelings.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.