Top 10 Emotional Wellness Tips

The Indian Proverb states we should think of ourselves as A House With Four Rooms: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rooms. It advocates for going into each room every single day, not for long periods of time, but going in each day to at least "air" it out.

Most of the tips I'm sharing overlap and apply to more than one room; however, today, my focus is on emotional wellness. Here are the tips that I believe are the most important and provide the most benefit.

1. Eat A Balanced And Varied Diet

Emotions change based on what’s happening around you, but they also change based on what’s happening within you.

Your emotions are partially dependent on your body chemistry, which has a lot to do with what you eat. This is largely because emotions are partially controlled by hormones and other chemical messengers in the body which are constructed from chemicals that your body takes from the food that you eat. A poor diet can mean poor emotional health.

Garbage in...garbage out. Feed your body, brain, and heart with great foods.,

2. Practice Moderation

Drinks are fine with dinner or to unwind, but if you get in the habit of using alcohol to forget your problems, it will likely just make your problems worse. Alcohol is a depressant, so it may make you feel better in the moment, too much too often can leave you feeling worse. Some experts even believe that alcohol can activate a gene that makes you more likely to develop depression.

Moderation in ALL things seems like the best plan: red meat, alcohol, exercise, television, etc. You get the idea.

      3.  Do Work You Love

Not just any work, work that is important to you. When many of us are at work, we feel like we’d rather just be doing nothing. The work that you do, however, can help to give you a sense of purpose and identity. This means that any work can be good work, but that you are likely to have a better mood and a better outlook on life if you are doing work that you enjoy.

I believe it's important to do the best at any and all jobs you do. From my perspective, always give them a "quarter for their dime" or in other words, do more than required or expected and make it the best you can do...always.

     4.  Manage Stress

Stress isn’t just a feeling, it’s a physiological state. When you are stressed, your body releases different amounts of the chemical messengers that determine how you feel and how your body functions. Over the long term, stress can negatively impact your physical and emotional health.

Developing a Meditation Practice is a fantastic way to visit the Emotional Room because a regular practice has the ability to help you remain calm, slow your breathing, and keep you focused.

     5.  Have A Support Network

For everyday problems, for catastrophes, or for whatever gets you down, it’s important to have a support network. This can be emotional support, financial support, someone to give advice, or just a shoulder to lean on.

Support networks can be networks in your community or online that are specifically for helping people who are dealing with problems like loss of a loved one or substance abuse, or they can be family and friends.

A House With Four Rooms also has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ahousewithfourrooms) that offers inspiration, encouragement, and support. The private group is also available.

      6.  Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Some people turn to alcohol and other drugs to help them to deal with unpleasant emotions. Almost all of the time, however, these coping mechanisms do more harm than good. Instead, try to find a hobby that makes you feel better.

Keeping a Journal, volunteering, playing an instrument, sewing, quilting, and painting are all examples of healthy coping mechanisms. It's wonderful to help others and forget about your own stress for awhile.

      7.  Have Faith

A study released a few years ago found that people who practice religion are statistically healthier than those who don’t including in terms of mental health. The study was conducted in a Christian community, but there’s no reason to think that other religions don’t offer the same benefits.

Religion often encourages a discussion of difficult topics like death. It also encourages hope and a focus on non-material goods. Church communities can often be sources for support in times of crisis.

      8.  Have Friends

As mentioned above, friends can be an important component in support networks. Friends aren’t only good for helping you through bad times, they are also good for a good time.

Having a few good friends can help you to feel appreciated and can help introduce you to new interests and pastimes. 

Our Village, the community on our Facebook page and private group for A House With Four Rooms. 

      9.  Stay In Touch With Your Feelings

Paying attention to your feelings can help you to address them as they appear rather than letting them build up. Feelings that aren’t processed in an appropriate and timely manner can often develop into stronger and stronger emotions that are difficult to deal with in a healthy and productive way.

       10.  Keep in Touch With Your Healthcare Provider

As mentioned above, your emotional wellness is at least partially reliant on your physical wellness. By helping you to stay physically healthy, your doctor can help you to stay emotionally healthy.

Professionals are available for every domain of your life; you do not have to journey this life alone. Reach out and maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports your complete wellness.

Of course, if you find problems with your emotional health, you can also bring these up with your doctor, who may be able to offer advice, resources, or referrals to other experts.

 Over the years I have had several mentors and coaches that have been essential for my emotional wellbeing. I've been taught, supported, and inspired to live my best life, just as I do as a Success Mentor for others with A Pilgrimage to Self, the Transformational Coaching Membership.

For more information and updates for the 2019 New Year, New You program with A Pilgrimage to Self subscribe to the Waitlist with the link below.

What are you doing in your Emotional Room today? I hope it provides you the greatest peace and joy!

Cheers!

Lisa