There is a strong bond between what you are feeling versus what transpires throughout the body. People who find healthy ways to cope with emotional problems are likely not to have the same issues with their physical wellness as those who do not protect their emotional wellness.
Your Emotional Health
According to the 2016 Help Guide, emotionally healthy people are content, have control of their emotions, manage stress easily and have a clear sense of their purpose in life. They are open to learning new things and have an exceptional work-life balance in play. Think of your emotional health as falling into two main categories: positive emotions and negative emotions. Examples of positive emotions include joy, happiness, hope, pride, and inspiration. Examples of negative emotions include anxiety, guilt, shame, sadness, and anger.
Ideally, when we are at the height of positive emotions, we can function at optimal levels.
Risks to Your Emotional Health
Unfortunately, very few of us can cruise along without experiencing some disruption to clear blue waters and calm seas of life. Familydoctor.org identifies the following as examples of episodes or life changes that can have a detrimental effect on our emotional health:
• Loss of a loved one
• Job loss or;
• Starting a new career
• Starting or expanding your family
• Relocation to a new city or state
• Divorce or separation
• Illness or injury
• Financial problems
How Emotions Affect Your Physical Health
Your body’s instinct is to compensate for how you are feeling. When you are afraid or excited, you might feel your heart rate speed up. When you are sad, you might notice that your body feels rife with exhaustion and fatigue. Prolonged exposure to stress can cause your blood pressure may rise and remain elevated and may prove damaging to your heart and kidney functions.
Tips for Improving Your Emotional Health
To prevent your emotions from harming your physical health, familydoctor.org suggests there are several actions you may deploy to improve your emotional health.
Regulate Your Emotions and Response. The first tip may be easier said than done, but you improve your emotional health by first taking control of your emotions and how it is you respond to others. Keep an eye out for cues that trigger specific emotions including happiness, joy, sadness, anger, and frustration.
Try to Keep the Glass Half Full. Do not miss the chance to identify the things that are good about your life or a particular situation. No one is suggesting that you will always be able to exist in a happy bubble. However, you should challenge yourself to see the glass as being half-full for the sake of your emotional health.
Be Honest about Your Feelings. Don’t hold your emotions back. Tell others what you are feeling and what is explicitly prompting your response. Keeping your feelings to yourself will create problems in the relationship.
Control Stress. Stress can be a hidden culprit that lays deep within your emotions. You might consider regularly practicing mindful meditation to help you become more aware and astute about navigating both positive and negative responses.
Find Balance. Do what is necessary to live a balanced life. Look for ways to not ruminate about what is wrong. Toiling around in negativity will lead to emotions that are physically draining. Studies show that if you allow yourself to bask in positivity, your quality of life will improve ten-fold.
Do Not Underestimate the Power of Sleep. Do not cheat yourself of a good night’s rest. We often underestimate the vital role that sleep can play in our emotional, physical and mental health. Set a goal for yourself to achieve a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night. It will amaze you the difference a few additional hours of shuteye can make in your emotional wellness.
Purpose and Meaning. What’s your purpose and how are you using it? If you do not know your meaning in life, its time for you determines what that purpose may be. Your purpose can come from any facet of your life including religion, family, work, or even a hobby. Many people find their purpose in volunteer work. Ultimately, your goal should be to identify the thing (s) that bring a sense of purpose and meaning.
In Summary
In summary, your emotional health is critical for your physical wellness. If you are experiencing problems emotionally that you are not able to manage independently, you should obtain the help of a professional who can assist in treating you. It is entirely possible that you may have a chemical imbalance in the brain that may disrupt both your physical and mental health. A professional can assist you in identifying the best possible treatment options.
– Scott Blessing