Dear Anita,

Emotional regulation – sums it up.  I am glad we had this exchange today as well.

I often struggle with this after work on a Friday, having had a long day, no breaks, and having a mentally and physically draining day that involves a lot of activation by definition.  I notice that I used to feel quite irritated by the fact that I arrived home and didn’t feel relaxed.  I now recognize it is often “work” to wind down.  An active process.  Whether it be unplugging from the computer or phone.  Taking an extra long walk to get home.  Perhaps heading to a yoga class if possible.  Or if nothing more some stretching and breathing at home, taking more than just a few minutes.

Often writing to you after a long day can also be helpful, as it sums up what really matters, or allows me to point out what actually may be bothering me – and if nothing – now, after this exchange, perhaps I can see – nothing is “wrong” I am just having trouble emotionally regulating, dimming the switch.  And that is okay, just takes some work and time.