When we talk about Lifestyle Change, it is obvious that diet and exercise are important factors but Emotional Health is very important too. Emotions are running rapid as we are facing a scary period of time with the COVID-19 virus situation. I know my emotions have been triggered and I know that I am not the only one. I wanted to share ways to cope with our amped-up emotional state.
An emotionally healthy person is in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They cope with the up and downs of life. They keep problems in perspective and bounce back from setbacks that happen in life. They also feel good about themselves and have good relationships. Just so you know emotional health is way different than mental health. Emotional health focuses on being in tune with their emotions, vulnerability, and authenticity. While mental health focuses on the chemical imbalances of the brain. Emotional Wellness is just as valuable as mental health and physical health.
Here is how you can be aware of your emotional health:
- Pay attention to your emotions and your reactions to these emotions
- Express your feelings in an appropriate way
- Think before you react
- Manage stress
- Strive for balance in your daily life
- Take care of your physical health by exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep
- Connect with others
- Find purpose and meaning in your life
- Stay positive
When you are under emotional stress it makes your immune system weaker, it makes you more vulnerable to physical illnesses.
Here are some things to practice for emotional health benefits:
- Practices like meditation, journaling, listening to music, and talking to a therapist help you express and deal with your emotions
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
- Strengthen your social connections
- Be mindful
- Be mindful of your sleep schedule
- Practice breathing techniques
- Develop a passion
- Set weekly goals
Wellness Works NW trainer, Karen Clemenson‘s main focus is exercise. So we want to share the emotional benefits of physical exercise with you:
- Enhances your mood to treat anxiety
- Subdues responses from both the sympathetic nervous system (flight or fight response part of the brain) and the hypathalamic-pituatary gland (hormone feedback part of the brain)
- It is a natural anti-depressant
- Increases the levels of neurotransmuters (chemical messengers of the brain)
- Prompt release of endorphins into the brain and body
- Enhances your capability
- Distracts you from the negative thoughts and stressors of the day
If you need help with the Emotional Health part of your Wellness Plan please call a friend, pastor, mentor or therapist. Heck! You can even email me if you want prayer.
>>>Read What is a Wellness Plan
Karen is great at helping with all aspects of your Wellness Plan. If you want to talk with her please call or text 360-447-8061 to make an online appointment today.
Here are some links I would like to share with you:
- 6 Concrete Ways to Improve Your Emotional Health by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW for Psychology Today
- 10 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Health Through Improving Your Self-Esteem by Beth W. Orenstein, medically reviewed by Kathryn Keegan, MD for Everyday Health
- The Emotional Benefits of Exercise by National Institute on Aging Staff
- Emotional Wellness Toolkit by National Institutes of Health Staff
- The exercise effect by Kirsten Weir for American Psychological Association
- Exercise for Optimal Mental Health: Here is Why Moving Can Be as Effective as Drugs by Elizabeth Michaelson Monaghan for Psycom
- How to Build Good Emotional Health by Cindy Lamothe, medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD for HealthLine
- Information from Your Family Doctor: Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health by American Family Physician Staff
- Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health by Family Doctor Staff
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Jamie Holloway is co-owner of Wellness Works NW and she is also our Research Manager and writes our Chasing Wellness with Jamie Holloway and Dear Jamie columns. Jamie is also an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. She lives in the Portland, Oregon area. Since October 2011 she has been sharing her Journey Toward Health and Wellness with Vasculitis through her blog at JamieChasesButterflies.com. We hope you are as inspired as we are with the raw candor Jamie uses in her writing. If you would like to help support Jamie’s writing efforts please Donate now.
