Are You Forgetting Your Emotional Health? 11 Ways to Stay Emotionally Healthy

Emotional health refers to a person’s ability to deal with their feelings in a balanced way. Being emotionally healthy does not mean being free from anxiety and stress; rather, it means you are working on having a positive outlook to life, accepting situations for what they are and making necessary changes when needed.  

Is emotional health as important as physical health?

Yes, there is a correlation between the two, and emotional wellness is as important as physical health, if not more. Being emotionally and mentally healthy, in fact, leads to better physical health. When we are stable emotionally, we are able to sleep better, be less stressed, take better care of ourselves, and have an overall happier disposition. 

Factors that affect emotional health and well-being

There are numerous things in our life that can affect us emotionally and mentally, such as: 

• Stress 
• An illness 
• Break-ups 
• Loneliness 
• Social stigma 
• Lack of support 
• Lack of confidence 
• A difficult marriage 
• Loss of a loved one 
• Dealing with discrimination 
• Debts or shortage of money 
• Trauma from a certain event 
• Abuse, physical and emotional  
• Big life changes such as moving to a different city or country 
• Toxic relationships with a family member, partner or a friend 

Why is it important to maintain your emotional health?

When you are healthy emotionally, you are in control of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour. All of this helps you cope a lot better with the challenges and changes that life throws in your direction. Being emotionally healthy gives you perspective when it comes to dealing with life’s issues and it also help you bounce back faster from any setbacks or issues faced. 

Tips to boost your emotional health

With some work and practice, you can train your mind into becoming emotionally stronger and healthier. So, what does it take and how to stay strong emotionally? Here are some tips to follow. 

Express gratitude

Be thankful and grateful for what you have rather than what is missing. Whether it is a good job, your family, a partner, children, close friends, your health, or a happy house, we often tend to forget the good things in our life and become upset about things we don’t have or would like to have. Instead, focus your attention positively on the things you want and make these happen by charting the right course.

Reduce stress

Talk to friends, see a counsellor, read a book, listen to music, exercise, cut toxic people out of your life, take yourself out of a sticky situation— the list is endless. Do whatever it takes to take the stress out of your life.

Pick up a hobby or learn something new: Engage in new activities or go back to your favourite hobby. Research has shown this increases levels of concentration, challenges you and makes you feel good about yourself.

Spend time with people who make you happy: It’s a simple enough formula to follow: Spend time with people who make you smile and who bring happiness into your life rather than with people who bog you down and affect your self-esteem and confidence.

Share how you feel

Speak up, vent, share, discuss – keeping feelings bottled up builds resentment, sadness and anger.

Ask for help when you need it: Don’t shy away from asking for an extra hand when you need one. An emotionally healthy person understands their personal limits and reaching out for help makes things easier.

Take time to think before you act or respond: Avoid being impulsive when it comes to your actions and reactions. Give yourself time to think clearly so that you don’t do or say something you end up regretting.

Find your purpose

Whether it is volunteering, being there for others, saving up money for you and your family, know your purpose and spend time achieving this.

Take care of yourself

Exercise, eat right, sleep well, get fresh air and sunshine, and avoid vices that can harm your physical health, because being physically unhealthy can affect your emotional health.

Achieve balance in life

Is your life all about work and no play? Try and find the right balance when it comes to work and leisure, and you will find yourself in a much better place emotionally.

Pay it forward

Do something kind and helpful for someone else, volunteer, reach out in someone’s time of need, be it a colleague, neighbour or friend. Giving back can help you feel better knowing you made a difference in someone’s life.

Signs of emotional wellness

Is not feeling angry, sad or frustrated a sign of emotional health, meaning you are always positive and upbeat? Not at all! In fact, healthy emotions include expressing anger, sadness and grief as well. How well you handle and deal with these sentiments is what differentiates an emotionally healthy person from someone who is not.  

In fact, there are multiple other signs of an emotionally healthy person. Here’s a look at some of the things they do, such as:  

• Stay positive 
• Be thankful 
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• Stay dependable  
• Learn to be patient 
• Have high self-esteem 
• Enjoy their own company 
• Focus on personal development 
• Follow through with their passions 
• Know their strengths and weaknesses 
• Forgive people, heal relationships 
• Give and receive love and compassion 
• Accept when they were wrong and apologise 
• Be flexible when it comes to life’s many situations 

As you can see, it is not that easy to be or learn how to be emotionally healthy. This takes effort and practice, and you may be able to progress on your journey better with the help of certified counsellors and psychologists. Now, you can book appointments with therapists near you on Bajaj Finserv Health. Schedule in-person appointments or video consultations in seconds. Get access to health plans and avail deals and discounts from partner clinics and labs and get a wealth of health-related resources at your fingertips.