Naming our emotions helps tame them, and understanding where they come from helps us feel self-compassion.
– Lisa Firestone, Ph.D.

An article in Psychology Today reports that when we adults name our emotions, it helps calm our brains and reduces stress. Henry Chen Ph.D. writes:

“You know that moment right before something big, when the room is quiet, but your mind is loud? Whether it’s a presentation, a performance, or a tough conversation, that silence can stir up a storm inside. But here’s a simple and powerful way to bring calm: say what you’re feeling. This isn’t fluff. It’s backed by science.

“I’m nervous. I’m overwhelmed. I’m excited but unsure. When you name what you’re feeling you’re not just talking. You’re helping your brain shift gears. Research shows that labeling emotions reduces activity in the amygdala, the part of your brain that sounds the alarm. At the same time, it activates the prefrontal cortex, the part that helps you think clearly and make good decisions.”

The same thing holds true for children. The Exchange Out of the Box Training, “Building Bridges Through Words,” was designed to support educators in helping children learn the skill of naming their emotions, not something that comes easily for most children.

“Recognizing how a child might be feeling, and then giving her the language to describe that feeling can be a first step in helping her mature emotionally,” writes Laura Mickley, author of the article that is the foundation for this important Training.