Why Are Emotions Important?

Being aware of and understanding our emotions helps us in making decisions, resolving problems, and responding to situation and events. Our emotions are important.

Emotions motivate our behavior. For example, if you are crossing the street and you see a car run a red light in your direction, you will likely perceive danger, get anxious, and run to get out of the way.

Emotions help us communicate with people. If you feel a boundary is being violated, your feeling of anger may prompt you to say no.

Emotions also help us to recognize what others are feeling.

Emotions communicate to us what we like and do not like. This includes a variety of information such as hobbies, people, work, interests, food, how we prefer to be treated, our values, etc.

Is there an emotion you struggle with that frequently moves you away from what matters to you?