What Is Emotional Regulation? Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to your feelings in a healthy way. Think of it as your internal control system for emotions. For new mothers, this “emotional thermostat” can sometimes go haywire—especially with the demands of caring for a newborn, juggling errands, sleep deprivation, and sheer exhaustion. When we face stress, our nervous system often shifts into a fight-or-flight response. While helpful in moments of dan