Emotion regulation for adults

As has been noted in previous blogs here and on our Facebook page, parents often feel burned out due to the amount of time and resources they expend on autism -- going to therapy, diets, in-home intervention, etc.

In addition to reducing these responsibilities by decreasing the total amount of therapy, as there is no evidence that intensive intervention does anything other than increase certain static abilities, parents need to learn how to regulate their emotions.

Emotion regulation means finding ways to decrease stress and increase positive emotional states. Here are a few ideas for emotion regulation activities:

Planning a quiet evening with your spouse/partner

Reading a good book or a trashy magazine

Eating a new food (dinner at a new resturant)

Going swimming

Gardening

Journal writing

Buying new music or an old favorite

Collecting shells at the beach

Planning a party with friends

Bottom line: remeber to do one thing every day that is both regulating/calming and invigorating for you (parents)!!

 

 

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