4 Essential Ways to Improve Emotional Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
When thinking of health, we generally first think about our physical health. Are we the right weight? Are we eating the right foods? Shortly after physical health, mental health comes to mind. Are we feeling depressed or blue? Do we feel self-fulfilled? One area of health that often goes ignored or forgotten is our emotional health. Our emotions are a huge part of our lives whether we like it or not. We experience a roller coaster of emotions every day, and if we don’t learn to handle them or cope with them properly, they can really get in the way of life in general. So along with asking ourselves questions about physical and mental health, we should also incorporate questions about emotional health. How do we feel? In order to keep a handle on your emotional health, take a look at these four simple tips to add to your daily routine.
Acknowledge the Feeling
One of the worst things for your own emotional health or the emotional health of a loved one is to ignore the feelings that we experience. Let yourself feel it. Something happened and you’re mad? That’s OK. A plan fell through and you’re sad? Fine. Feel it, experience it, and then move on when you’re ready. Don’t let it consume you, but acknowledge that it’s there, and then move it along.
Rid Yourself of Guilt
There are two ways to rid yourself of guilt. The first is when you have actually done something guilt-worthy. Did you hurt another’s feelings or do something malicious? Apologize and remedy the problem if you can. Then, when you’ve done all you can, move on. The second is when you haven’t done anything, but another person makes you feel guilty. You chose a different college than your parents wanted? Do not feel guilty. Be confident in your decisions, and don’t allow guilt to creep in when it isn’t warranted.
Cut Out the Negativity
We all know those people who are constantly down and out. Their social media is likely riddled with comments such as “Nobody cares” or “I’m done.” While everyone can have a bad day sometimes, a person who sees the world through a half-empty perspective is probably not someone to spend all of your time with. If possible, cut them out of your everyday life or at least off of your Facebook news feed. If you love this person or want to keep them involved, limit your interactions. Surrounding yourself with positivity is a huge help in staying emotionally healthy.
Learn a Coping Mechanism
When I was younger, I had a lot of panic attacks. While for some people these can be seriously debilitating, for me they were a lack of coping skills. My emotions would run rampant until I learned to deal with them. Many are able to teach themselves coping techniques through research and practice. If you can’t, however, enlist the help of a loved one or professional to help you get a handle on your emotions.
Our emotional health is crucial for a good quality of life. Though it may not be one of the most public or openly discussed forms of health, it is absolutely important. Use these techniques to do a quick check on your emotional health, and to boost your overall health in the future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Avon, Ind.