Being able to self-regulate means we have the ability to control our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. But every now and then, we sometimes experience frequent stress and our ability to self-regulate becomes a challenge. So how do we prevent this and maintain the skill to self-regulate through the most difficult times in our lives? In order for self-regulation to be effective, we should create a sustainability plan that targets all aspects of wellness:
- Emotional Regulation – Connection to resources and sense of containment
- Cognitive Regulation – Using elements of self-compassion
- Physical Regulation – Managing routines of sleep, diet and physical activity
- Spiritual Regulation – Engaging sense of meaning, purpose and self-efficacy
- Social Regulation – Connection with others
Creating a sustainability plan to help us maintain our ability to self-regulate will also help reduce the risk of PTSD or other mental illness. Here is a quick video that talks about the importance of creating a plan for all aspects of self-regulation:
