08/03/2025
How Intense Is Your Emotion? A Simple Way to Cope 💚 🌱
Ever felt like your emotions were taking over - like a storm, a tidal wave or an earthquake inside you? One moment, you’re fine, and the next, it’s all too much, too fast. What if you could measure that intensity and find ways to manage it?
Using an emotional intensity scale (like the one pictured) can help you understand what you’re feeling and choose the right coping strategies.
Here’s how it works:
1-3 (Mild/Low) – Noticeable but Manageable
Examples: Mild stress, slight irritation, or low-level anxiety.
Helpful Strategies: Deep breathing, stretching, listening to music, journaling.
4-6 (Moderate/Manageable) – Stronger but In Control
Examples: Frustration, nervousness before an event, sadness after a tough conversation.
Helpful Strategies: Grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1), self-soothing, movement (walk, dance, shake it out).
7-8 (High/Challenging) – Difficult to Manage
Examples: Panic creeping in, anger rising, deep sadness.
Helpful Strategies: Ice pack on wrists, paced breathing (inhale for 4 secs, hold for 2 secs, exhale for 6 secs), mindfulness, positive distractions.
9-10 (Crisis/Overwhelming) – Emotion Feels Uncontrollable
Examples: Intense panic, rage, or hopelessness.
Helpful Strategies: TIPP skills (temperature change, intense exercise, paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation), reaching out to a trusted friend, crisis support, self-compassion.
Why Does Rating Your Emotion Help?
1. It creates a roadmap – You gain insight into what’s happening inside.
2. It makes emotions feel more manageable – Instead of just feeling overwhelmed, you can pinpoint it: “This is a 7, so I need to bring it down.”
3. It helps you choose the right coping strategy – A deep breath might work at a 4, but a cold shower might be needed at a 9.
Next time you feel overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how intense is this?” Then, choose a strategy that fits. Your emotions don’t have to control you—you can learn to ride the wave instead of being swept away.
Have you ever tried rating your emotions? What helps you the most?
Illustration credit: Hairy Phish