5 Keys to Good Emotional Health

When we buy new clothes, change our hairstyle, laugh with our friends, play sports, or practice meditation, our attitude changes. We feel more positive, more inspired and creative. Our emotional health can improve with small things that happen every day and that help us have a different perspective on life and feel better.

Emotional health is related to knowing how to properly manage our emotions, both the positive ones (love, joy, hope, good mood) and the negative ones (hate, anger, jealousy, guilt, envy) in order to feel good and have a better attitude. An emotionally healthy person is one who has learned to understand and accept himself and look at life with a smile.

Traditionally, we have been taught to act rationally, without lending too much importance to emotions in our personal development. In some spheres, we even associate the display of emotions with a sign of weakness.

However, numerous scientific studies show the influence of emotions on our behavior on a physiological, psychological, and behavioral level. For this reason, we want to propose various techniques so that you can improve your emotional health and feel better.

1. Remember the good things you have and do what you like

When pessimism invades us, we are not able to remember all the good things we have. Instead, our past seems like a giant field in the shadows. For this reason, we propose that you write down on a piece of paper all the good things you have, whatever this may be. You have lots of friends, you are sociable, you know how to listen, you know how to draw. Every time negative thoughts start to invade your mind, read that list and remember how unique and extraordinary you are.

The maelstrom of our daily lives wraps us up in lots of daily chores that make us forget what we like. If you like going to the movies, look for some time each week and go see whatever movie looks good. If you like riding your bike, go for a lap around town. If you like reading, pick up a book before going to bed and enjoy. It is simply a matter of finding time to do what we like. That’s doable, right?

2. Learn to communicate and accept yourself

It can be very difficult for us to express our emotions in certain situations and to say what we think. But in order to be happy with ourselves, it is necessary to communicate adequately and respectfully with other people, to express emotions with empathy, and to learn to say “no” when it is necessary.

We must accept ourselves with all our flaws so we can  react when faced with certain situations and control our emotions in a healthy way. Accept who you are and that will be the start of your change.

3. Stay active and live in the present

Keeping up with an activity, both physical and intellectual, helps our emotional health. People who keep their brain lively and active feel better because they do not let laziness take them over. But in addition to mental activity, it is necessary to have physical activity, which is why you need to walk, run, ride a bike, go to the gym; it doesn’t matter, but move!

Have you ever stopped to think about how many times each day you worry about things from the past or future? The past cannot change and we do not know what the future will bring us, which is why it doesn’t make much sense to worry and the important thing is to live in the present.

4. Relax and surround yourself with positive people

Sleeping well and relaxing is fundamental for our health, both physical and emotional. It gives us rest and well being. Make sure you go to bed every day at the same time and practice habits that favor sleep. And find a moment each day to relax or meditate.

The energy that the positive people in our lives transfer to us is fundamental. Try to move away from people who cause you stress or have pessimistic attitudes and get close to those who appreciate you and know how to teach you all the good things that life has to offer.

5. Look for help if you need it

If you need professional help, have no doubts about seeking it. A specialist who listens to us and gives us support can be necessary in certain situations in order to promote our personal development.

Do not be afraid to turn to a person who listens to you and makes you see things from another point of view. It is a matter of growing emotionally and learning from our mistakes, to love ourselves more each day.