How to cope with impulsive behavior?
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Loading... - John Fraser
- 19 Sep 2022
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The main characteristic of impulsiveness is the rapid response that does not give rise to reflection. As it usually triggers problems and regrets, we share 10 tips to control it.
Occasional impulsiveness can be a normal and manageable behavior of everyday life for most people, but when it becomes harmful and out of control it is an indicator of certain mental health conditions.
It's human nature to sometimes say or do something you wish you hadn't, but some people are often impulsive, maybe several times a day. Acting that way can trigger problems and regret.
Impulsive behavior is recognized as a diagnostic criterion for several psychiatric disorders involving risk behaviors, but it can also be correlated with non-problematic actions of daily life.
In fact, we often rely on impulsive and unconscious behaviors to get us through each day. Such spontaneity can be helpful at times, however, when it becomes extreme it challenges our self-control and leads to undesirable results.
When it begins to affect our ability to function at work and in our interpersonal relationships, it is a sign that something more serious could be involved. High levels of impulsivity may be related to neuropsychiatric conditions such as addiction, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There are a series of guidelines that people with high impulsiveness can practice to exercise some control over behaviors that are directed by emotions. We share the most recommended by mental health specialists.
10 ways to control impulsivity
1. Know what motivates our actions
To initiate a series of changes in our impulsive way of acting is to know what stimuli or situations cause these behaviors. Knowing the reason will help us avoid a wrong reaction.
It consists of making a record of all those situations in which we have acted impulsively. In this way, we will be aware of the events and emotions that enhance our impulsiveness, so by detecting them in time we will be able to respond effectively.
2. Count to three
The moment we are aware of which situations generate all kinds of impulsive responses in us, we will be able to change the way we react.
Just by trying to let a few seconds pass, our brain is able to reflect briefly and our emotions will be much calmer. So we will improve our ability to handle the tension, emotions and thoughts that cause the impulsive response. Read More…
