Mindful Living Lab

– A simple guide to emotional expression for overthinkers – Have you ever tried to tell someone how you feel… …only to spiral into “What if they think I’m too much?” …or “Maybe I’m just overreacting.” …or worse — you just stay silent ? You’re not alone. Expressing emotions clearly is a skill — and it’s one we’re rarely taught. But the good news? You can get better at it. ❓ Why Is It So Hard to Say What We Feel? We second-guess our emotions. (“Am I being dramatic?”) We fear judgment or rejection. (“What if they don’t care?”) We were taught to suppress feelings. (“Don’t cry. Don’t complain.”) We don’t have the right words. (“I feel... uh, weird?”) Most of us were never given the emotional vocabulary to make sense of our own internal world — so it gets stuck inside. 🔍 Step 1: Identify What You Actually Feel Start by moving beyond vague words like “bad” or “fine.” Try these prompts: “Do I feel hurt, or do I feel rejected?” “Is this anger… or fear dressed ...

\ Tears get a bad rap. We say “I’m sorry” when we cry — like it’s something shameful. But what if crying isn’t weakness, but emotional intelligence in action ? Here’s what science and psychology say about crying — and why it might actually help you heal. 1. Crying Regulates Your Nervous System When you cry emotional tears (not just from cutting onions), your body releases: Oxytocin (bonding hormone) Endorphins (natural painkillers) These help lower cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and recover” state. 2. It Releases Pent-Up Emotional Energy Think of emotions like water in a dam. If you keep holding everything in, pressure builds. Crying is a release valve — a physical way your body processes grief, overwhelm, sadness, or even joy. 3. Crying Can Bring Mental Clarity After a good cry, many people say they feel: Lighter Calmer More able to think clearly That’s because crying reduces emotional overload , maki...