We all know that it is important to take care of ourselves, right?  The focus isn’t solely on eating healthy foods, exercising, drinking plenty of water, and getting a proper amount of sleep.  Although they are all very important. Taking care of ourselves includes emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual health. There are times in our lives when we may feel a little off balance if one or more of these components are not given the proper attention they deserve.  

With that being said, how is your emotional health?  This time of year many feel challenged by seasonal depression or maybe they have experienced loss this year and they are going through the holiday season without that special someone this year.  Or maybe it’s something else entirely.  Whatever the case may be, we would like to help.

What Are Some Ways We Can Improve Our Emotional Health?

First things first, don’t ignore what you are feeling or suppress unwanted feelings.  It could make things worse.  Take a moment and think about what is bothering you.  Write it down.  Document your feelings for more than a week.  Especially if you need help identifying the issue(s), documenting your emotions will be beneficial.

Strategies That Will Help You Improve Your Emotional Health.

Build Resilience – If you consider yourself to be resilient, that is great!  However, if you find it to be one of the things you struggle with, here are some ways you can work on it. 

• Get connected
• Make every day meaningful  
• Learn from experience
• Remain hopeful
• Take care of yourself
• Be proactive

Reduce Stress – Feeling overloaded, out of balance, or unable to cope?  Then you are more than likely stressed.  Try the following tips.

• Exercise
• Do an activity you love or that brings you joy
• Make sure you are getting enough sleep
• Get social
• Breathing exercises

Coping With Loss – If you recently lost a loved one, you should know that it is okay to grieve in your way.  We all grieve differently.  If you are looking for ways to manage your grieving process we share some here with you.

• Staying active – walking, swimming, or focusing on a hobby
• Talking with your family or friends
• Connecting with the things that are most important to you
• Accept help when it is offered to you
• Grief counseling or support groups

Being Mindful – Feeling like you are living on “autopilot?”  Practice mindfulness.

• Take deep breaths
• Enjoy a stroll in the park
• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Practice mindful eating
• Do a body scan

Being emotionally healthy is one of the key factors to truly enjoying life.  There are many ways to stay healthy; it is so much more than how we treat our bodies.  Be sure you find ways to incorporate the things you love in life into your daily or weekly activities.  Make the time to focus on your emotional health, because you are worth it.

At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we are dedicated to providing personalized healthcare for each and every woman. From puberty to menopause, we aim to supply every woman with top-quality gynecological and obstetrical care. Come visit us and find out why we are the most trusted name in women’s health in the Lakewood Ranch area.