People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s inevitable challenges, build strong relationships, and lead productive, fulfilling lives. When bad things happen, they’re able to bounce back and move on.
Unfortunately, too many people take their mental and emotional health for granted – focusing on it only when they develop problems. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. The more time and energy you invest in your emotional health, the stronger it will be. The good news is that there are many things you can do to boost your mood, build resilience, and get more enjoyment out of life. Enjoying the affection of a pet, enjoying a walk outdoors, volunteering your time, spending time with friends, and laughing out loud are just some of the many things you can do to gain strength, both inside and out.
The mind and the body are linked. When you improve your physical health, you’ll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being and vice versa. For example, exercise not only strengthens our heart and lungs, but also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that energize us and lift our mood. The activities you engage in and the daily choices you make affect the way you feel physically and emotionally.
The Mind/Body challenges are designed to help you become more emotionally healthy by reducing stress, improving sleep, helping you relax, and keeping your body and mind functioning together as one unit.
Mind/Body Terms:
Relaxation: Resting physically and mentally. A break from daily stress.
Mediation: A state of relaxation where thoughts are cleared by either concentrating on breathing or repeating a word or sound.
Deep Breathing: A slow deep breath in allowing your chest and stomach to expand, followed by a long exhalation while pulling your stomach muscles in.