Hey there!
Today we’re diving into a topic that came up during a recent group call – impulsivity.
It’s something so many of us struggle with, and I wanted to shed some light on it because there’s often a misunderstanding about what it really is and how we can deal with it.
We often think that impulsivity is this unchangeable part of who we are, but it’s really just emotional reactivity—our body reacting to emotions. Let’s break this down and talk about how you can start handling it in a way that helps you take control of those impulsive moments.
So here’s the deal: impulsivity isn’t some built-in flaw. It’s your nervous system reacting to a heightened emotional state. You feel an emotion—whether it’s excitement, fear, or something else—and you respond by doing or saying something without fully thinking it through. It might look like buying something you don’t need, eating something you didn’t plan to, or blurting out something you later regret. Sound familiar?
But here’s the good news: you can change that pattern. The key to overcoming impulsivity is becoming more conscious of your emotions and how they affect your actions. It’s all about noticing when that emotion hits, calming yourself down, and then making a choice from a clearer, more centered place.
Now, I get it. This sounds like a snooze fest. “Handle your emotions, calm yourself down,” blah blah. But stick with me. If you can become the person who chooses which emotions stick around, who has the power to remove the ones you don’t want and create the ones you do—that’s where the real power lies! And trust me, it’s also where motivation comes from.
So what can you do when that urge to act impulsively strikes? Here’s a simple process:
1- Notice the emotion when it hits your body. This can take some practice, but start by remembering a time you felt impulsive—like when you bought something you didn’t need or snapped at someone. How did it feel in your body? Was there a tightness in your chest, maybe a pulling sensation? Get familiar with those feelings.
2- Pause and calm your nervous system. Don’t react just yet. One easy way to calm down is by doing long exhales. Take 10 deep breaths, making the exhale longer than the inhale. This simple trick tells your body, “We’re okay, no need to act on this impulse.”
3- Shift your thinking. Ask yourself questions like, “What do I think this action will do for me?” or “How else can I feel good without spending money or eating something I’ll regret?” Curiosity can be your best friend here. Maybe the urge to buy that dress is really about wanting to feel pretty. Okay, cool. How can you feel that way without blowing your budget? Get creative with it.
At the end of the day, it’s not about trying to be a different person. It’s about learning to handle your emotions before they handle you.
Remember, you’re in control—not your emotions.
If you have any questions or just want to chat about this more, hit me up! I’m always here to help you navigate these things.
Catch you later!
Xoxo,
Jessica
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