Module 7: How To Manage Emotions When Under Pressure: Increasing Mindful Awareness
The aim of Module 7 is to teach and encourage the use of
emotional regulation and self-soothing skills.
A fundamental assumption of the PuP program is that the pressures
parents face in their day-to-day lives impact on their ability to
be effective in the parenting role. This module provides
information on a range of strategies that help parents cope more
effectively under pressure.
There is an emphasis on the use of there is an emphasis on
mindfulness-based strategies, although other techniques such as
relaxation training using muscular relaxation training, use of
imagery, and other self-soothing activities are included.
Mindfulness skills aim to help parents let go of any
preoccupation with the worries of everyday life, at least for short
periods of time. This mindfulness skill of refocussing the mind on
the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts can, at
times, help a person to shift from a severely negative mood state
or feeling of anxiety, to one that is less overwhelming.
An important first step in emotional regulation is to recognise
one's emotional state. A negative emotional mood state should be a
signal to take some active steps to alter one's current emotional
state. Therefore the module starts with exercises on recognising
emotional states.
Promoting a healthy diet and regular physical exercise is an
important factor in enhancing emotional well-being more
generally.
It is not realistic to promote a positive mood state when a person
is under considerable and real stress. When this is the case, it is
necessary to consider techniques that might minimise the distress
associated with that situation. Distress tolerance skills are an
important skill for parents to use when under pressure.