One reason I love Spring Break is that I have more time to read. I enjoy variety so I tend to vacillate between just-for-fun books (currently Amy Poehler’s YES PLEASE), books that support my personal/professional growth and home decorating magazines. I also come across a wealth of great articles online. I save the links in a folder so I can go back to them when I have time to really dig in and concentrate.

This week I read an article called, “The Importance of Naming Your Emotions,” published by The New York Times. I was hooked by the title and interested to see that the content aligned with the theme of my last blog post. The article supports the value in learning how to notice, name and take care of our emotions juxtaposed with common societal expectations to leave our feelings at the door. In my last post, I highlighted one way I practice noticing and naming emotions with my students, however, there are clearly benefits for all of us in slowing down and checking in with ourselves.

If you’re interested, check out this short video with Dan Siegel, M.D. Executive Director, Mindsight Institute that illustrates what happens in your brain when you practice naming a strong emotion. Dan refers to this practice as “Name it to Tame it.”

Enjoy!

xo