Can you remember the last time you laughed so hard you cried? How about the last time you honestly listened to your feelings and emotions? Do you have a hard time letting others in with the fear of being vulnerable? The fact of the matter is, life is full of emotional highs and lows that are often out of your control. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to experience various different emotions throughout life. In this article, I’ll explain what emotional wellness is, why it’s important, and how you can improve it over time.

What is emotional wellness?

Emotional wellness has to do with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It allows you to clearly recognize and accept your feelings, both positive or negative. This includes adapting to stress, life changes, and difficult times.

Why is emotional wellness important?

Emotional wellness is important because how you feel impacts every aspect of life. For example, if you’re sad or depressed, it can impact your personal and professional relationships as well as your overall quality of life. Also, if you have a difficult time managing stress or expressing your emotions, this can decrease your general well being and lead to avoidable health problems.

On the other hand, those who are emotionally in check are able to best interpret and express their feelings. As a result, they’re able to feel comfortable in their own skin and develop strong interpersonal relationships, both of which will positively impact them in all aspects of life.

Fortunately, self-care is something that is becoming more and more prevalent these days. With an increase in the ways technology consumes the world and demands our attention, taking the time to step back and really think about your feelings and emotions can keep you true to your self and prevent mental health problems.

Life is full of ups and downs. It’s those who develop a high degree of emotional intelligence and are in touch with their feelings that are in the best position to withstand whatever life throws at them.

RELATED: What Is Occupational Wellness and Why Is It Important?

How can you improve emotional wellness?

First, work to build strong, positive interpersonal relationships. Honestly, no one has time for negative or unreliable people in their life. As a result, distance yourself from people in your life that have failed to make an effort to maintain a relationship. Especially if they’re a “Pessimistic Peter” or “Flaky Felicia”. If they ask why you’ve been distanced, be honest with them and see if they make an effort to change. If they don’t, your decision has been justified.

Second, practice mindfulness and commit to living in the present. The past is already written and the future is out of your control (to a point). Therefore, don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. Instead, live in the moment and do your best to remain present on a daily basis.

Lastly, don’t suppress your feelings and emotions. Did you have a bad day? Go for a jog or call a close friend to vent about what happened. Excited about a once in a lifetime opportunity? Prepare for all possible outcomes and embrace the moment with family or friends.

These are just a few of the many ways to improve your emotional wellness. Whether positive or negative, it’s important to listen to your feelings and respond in a way that builds your emotional intelligence (hint: sometimes your response will be nothing at all).

Conclusion

In the end, life is full of emotional highs and lows that are often out of your control. As a result, it’s important to embrace your feelings, be true to yourself, and strive to improve your emotional wellness.

Do you have ideas or recommendations on ways to improve emotional wellness? Leave them in the comments below.

Author:
Ryan Corte, OD