Photo credit: Bragophoto
What is Emotional Wellness?
The Emotional Wellness Dimension involves the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional challenges, cope with life’s stressors, and enjoy life. It includes knowing our strengths as well as what we want to get better at, and living and working on our own but letting others help us from time to time.
Emotional Wellness is the first of the eight wellness dimensions that we will explore further. As I shared in my earlier post, there are eight overall dimensions, and then within each there are sub dimensions. The Emotional Dimensions has three sub dimensions: Feelings/Emotions, Self-Care and Stress. Let's look a little more closely at these sub dimensions, with some thoughtful questions to think about, along with some resources to explore.
1 FEELINGS/EMOTIONS
It's important to remember that while feelings/emotions can feel real, and they are valid, we shouldn't make decisions or take any other actions based on our feelings/emotions.
Some questions to think about:
Do you allow yourself to be open to and acknowledge your feelings without judgement?
Have you found or developed safe relationships with people or groups where you can express your feelings and thoughts?
Do you see challenges as opportunities for growth?
Do you recognize your limitations and learn from your mistakes?
Are you taking responsibility for your actions?
Some resources
Reflect each day on your emotions, what can they teach you, and how you can express them.
Consider using a journal to record feelings and thoughts.
Develop regular habits that help you process and deal with your feelings effectively so you move forward in fulfilling your emotional needs.
Find a place where you feel the most comfortable and go there when you feel a need for comfort, quiet space, or safety.
2. SELF-CARE
Some questions to think about:
Have you joined support groups, or thought about starting one?
Do you write your thoughts in a journal, listen to music, or talk to family or friends when you are in need?
Have you tried yoga, breathing, or meditation to remain calm and cantered?
Are you maintaining a daily routine?
Do you leave yourself plenty of time to get to work and other obligations?
Are you eating some meals without distractions, like checking your phone or watching TV?
Some Resources
Discover what you like to do best, and do it often. It will help keep your spirits and emotions up.
Find an outlet for physical activity, such as a sports league or a gym/fitness centre.
Take some time to yourself regularly.
Identify resources that can help you with a sleep schedule or ideas for meal planning.
Practice positive self-affirmations. Develop a positive statement to repeat to yourself daily. When you change your thoughts, you can change your mood and attitude.
3 STRESS
Some questions to think about
Are you learning to manage stress in ways that work for your lifestyle?
Do you recognize stress triggers and appreciate that you are not your feelings? Feelings are fleeting and will pass.
Do you welcome and cultivate positive, empowering thoughts and emotions?
Some resources
Take a step back when in a stressful situation.
Practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.
Try out different coping exercises or strategies when not in a stressful situation. When challenges arise, you will be better prepared to deal with them.
Practice finding positives (a silver lining) in something that you feel is negative. Support others in doing this, as well.
Source: SAMHSA CREATING A HEALTHIER LIFE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO WELLNES