Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times. Here are tips for improving your emotional health:
Build Resilience
People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience. Learning healthy ways to cope and how to draw from resources in your community can help you build resilience.
Tips to build resilience:
- Develop healthy physical habits.
- Take time for yourself each day.
- Look at problems from different angles.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Practice gratitude.
- Explore your beliefs about the meaning
and purpose of life. - Tap into social connections and
community.
Reduce Stress
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Stress can give you a rush of energy when it’s needed most. But if stress lasts a long time—a condition known as chronic stress—those “high alert” changes become harmful rather than helpful. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can also boost your resilience.
Tips to help manage your stress:
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Build a social support network.
- Set priorities.
- Show compassion for yourself.
- Try relaxation methods.
- Seek help.
Get Quality Sleep
To fit in everything we want to do in our day, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better. Take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.
Tips to get better quality sleep:
- Go to bed and get up each day at
the same time. - Sleep in a dark, quiet place.
- Exercise daily.
- Limit the use of electronics.
- Relax before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol before bedtime and
stimulants like caffeine or nicotine. - Consult a health care professional if
you have ongoing sleep problems.
Be Mindful
The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. It means not living your life on “autopilot.” Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Tips to be more mindful:
- Take some deep breaths in through
your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1
second and then exhale through the
mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often. - Enjoy a stroll, notice the sights around you.
- Practice mindful eating. Be aware of each
bite and when you’re full. - Be aware of your body. Do a mental scan,
bring your attention to how each part feels. - Find mindfulness resources, including
online programs.
Cope with Loss
When someone you love dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Learn healthy ways to help you through difficult times.
Tips to cope with loss:
- Take care of yourself.
- Talk to a caring friend.
- Try not to make any major
changes right away. - Join a grief support group.
- Consider professional support.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re having
trouble with everyday activities. - Be patient. Mourning takes time.
Strengthen Social Connections
Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—bot emotionally and physically. Whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.
Tips to build healthy support systems:
- Build strong relationships with your kids.
- Get active and share good habits with
family and friends. - If you’re a family caregiver, ask for help
from others. - Join a group focused on a favorite hobby,
such as reading, hiking, or painting. - Take a class to learn something new.
- Volunteer for things you care about in
your community, like a community garden,
school, library, or place of worship. - Travel to different places and meet
new people.
Original Source: https://www.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-info/wellness-toolkits/emotional-wellness-checklist-2022-7.pdf