As we experience the waves of emotions tied to election outcomes, it becomes clear that the process of winning or losing goes beyond political victory. It's about the deep, often visceral, feelings we hold in our bodies and what we do with those emotions.
For many, the news of a win may bring relief, excitement, or a rush of energy. For others, the realization of a loss may bring disappointment, frustration, or even anxiety. These feelings are not unlike what children experience in everyday situations: the joy of achieving a milestone, the pain of a setback, or the tension of anticipating the unknown. At Kids In Motion Pediatric Therapy, we see these responses every day. And while we work with young people, the lessons on emotional regulation translate to us all.
The Body Knows First
When we hear results we hoped for (or feared), our bodies react. There may be tension in your shoulders, a flutter in your stomach, or even a quickening of your breath. The brain perceives change, and your nervous system responds. This is a great moment to recognize that feelings—good or bad—are natural and physical. It's okay to feel them.
Emotional Regulation in Action
Here are some practices to turn emotional highs and lows into moments of growth, whether for yourself or when guiding a child through big feelings:
Pause and Acknowledge the Feeling: It's important to give space for the initial reaction. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. If you're celebrating, enjoy it! Acknowledging the feeling helps your brain understand what's happening, and it can stop the spiral of suppressing emotions.
Label the Emotion: Naming what you're feeling—disappointment, anger, hope, elation—puts words to the experience. This simple act can reduce the body's stress response by making sense of what's going on internally.
Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that emotions are normal and human. Just as children need compassion when they experience a win or loss, we, too, need to offer that compassion to ourselves. There's no need to shame or dismiss what you’re experiencing.
Movement and Release: When our bodies hold onto strong emotions, they can feel heavy. Physical activity, even gentle stretching, can help release tension. We often encourage children to move or use sensory input to regain calm—adults can benefit too.
Plan for What’s Next: Big feelings are powerful but temporary. Once regulated, ask yourself or your child, "What can we do with this feeling? How can we use it for good or growth?" This step redirects the energy into positive action or reflection.
The Ups and Downs Are Opportunities
Every win or loss is an opportunity to build resilience. It teaches us that feelings come and go, but our ability to navigate them makes us stronger. When we help children work through their own emotional ups and downs, we’re not just guiding them through a moment; we’re showing them how to be more aware of themselves and their world.
So, as we all process feelings tied to recent events, remember that your body's reactions are real, valid, and can be managed. Just like we guide children, we can guide ourselves toward healthier emotional regulation. And in doing so, we create a space to support one another, regardless of the outcome.
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