You probably already know what self-regulation is, even if you’re not aware of the term. Self-regulation refers to the ability to control your behavior and manage your thoughts and emotions in appropriate ways. It’s why you go to school or work even though you don’t always feel like it, or why you don’t eat pizza for every meal. Show
Read on to learn more about what self-regulation is and how to strengthen this important skill. The Good Brigade / Getty Images What Is Self-Regulation? Self-regulation involves being aware of your behavior and how it can help you reach your goals. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines self-regulation as “the control of one’s behavior through self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcement.” People with good self-regulation skills are able to assess whether their behavior is appropriate and can redirect themselves as needed. Self-Regulation vs. Self-Control While self-regulation may sound a lot like self-control, the two are defined differently. Self-control is all about controlling and inhibiting impulses. Self-regulation, meanwhile, is a broader term that refers to the many ways people steer their behavior in order to achieve particular goals. Why Self-Regulation Is Important Self-regulation helps us handle stress and conflict while strengthening our relationships and overall well-being. Physically Children often have the impulse to lash out physically when they're angry or upset—and sometimes adults do, too. Self-regulation helps us control those impulses and act in more appropriate ways. And being able to calm back down has physical effects, like
slowing a pounding heart. Emotionally If a person is upset, sad, angry, or excited, self-regulation helps them calm down, regulate their feelings, and then behave in acceptable and productive ways. It also helps control emotions so that they are not overwhelming. Mentally Self-regulation is necessary in order to learn and
perform, in school or on the job. It helps people sit still at a desk, listen to what needs to be done, and refocus after completing a task. Socially Self-regulation allows people to behave in socially acceptable ways and build relationships by not letting strong emotions or impulses dictate their behavior. Examples of Self-RegulationAt its most basic level, self-regulation is being able to manage your emotions and behaviors in order to function appropriately in everyday life. Examples of self-regulation include:
How to Improve Self-Regulation Like many coping skills, self-regulation can be strengthened and improved if you need to work on it. What works for one person may not work for another, so feel free to try different approaches. Self-Awareness Self-awareness is being aware of one’s own emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Being self-aware will help you understand why you're motivated to respond a certain way and can help you act more appropriately. MindfulnessMindfulness is a way of thinking that involves staying in the present moment and being aware of your environment, your thoughts, and how your body feels. Practicing mindfulness supports self-regulation by encouraging you to slow down and behave in a more conscious way. Stress ManagementChronic stress can cause mood swings and difficulty concentrating which in turn can interfere with your ability to self-regulate. You can help get stress under control by using stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and getting enough sleep. Summary Self-regulation is an essential skill for physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. It doesn’t always come easily to people, but techniques like
mindfulness practices and stress reduction can help you develop and strengthen your self-regulation abilities. A Word From Verywell Poor self-regulation can impact your life in detrimental ways, potentially causing problems at work or school and keeping you from developing healthy relationships. If you find yourself struggling with self-regulation, you may find it helpful to talk to a psychotherapist. They can
help you develop coping skills and tools that are specific to your needs. Frequently Asked Questions
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Thanks for your feedback! What is selfSelf-regulation is the ability to understand and manage your behaviour and your reactions to feelings and things happening around you. It includes being able to: regulate reactions to strong emotions like frustration, excitement, anger and embarrassment. calm down after something exciting or upsetting.
What is an example of selfPracticing Meditation
Not only is meditation an example of self-regulation, but it is also an exercise that will improve your ability to self-regulate. It can increase your awareness of inner feelings and thoughts, which will then in turn, increases your chances of being able to control those feelings and thoughts.
What are the 4 selfThere are four basic self-regulation strategies that all students need to be able to use: goal-setting, self-monitoring, effective use of self-instructions or self-talk, and self-reinforcement.
What is self"Self-Regulation refers to the self-directive process through which learners transform their mental abilities into task related skills" (Zimmerman, 2001). This is the method or procedure that learners use to manage and organize their thoughts and convert them into skills used for learning.
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