When you experience feelings of stress, depression, sadness or anxiety, your physical health can be negatively affected. Poor emotional health can lead to muscle pain and stiffness, appetite changes, fatigue or insomnia, upset stomach, weight gain or weight loss, according to FamilyDoctor.org, an information resource from the American Academy of Family Physicians. By spending time improving your emotional health, you'll enhance awareness of your feelings, strengthen your ability to cope with stressful situations, improve your self-esteem and enjoy healthier relationships.
Step 1
Find appropriate outlets for your feelings, such as writing in a journal or talking with a friend about how you're feeling. Letting negative emotions build up inside will only make you feel worse emotionally and physically.
Step 2
Incorporate regular exercise into your day. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, even 10 minutes of activity may help relieve tension and feelings of sadness while boosting energy levels, reports the American Psychological Association.
Step 3
Surround yourself with positive people and avoid those who worry excessively or make you feel sad or stressed, suggests Princeton University Health Services.
Step 4
Focus on the positive elements of your life and don't over-think problems or situations that make you feel anxious. Positive emotional health requires striking a balance between dealing with negative feelings and fostering a positive outlook.
Step 5
De-clutter your schedule to reduce stress and make time for relaxation. Make a daily list of things you need to accomplish, and schedule in time for interruptions and breaks.
Step 6
Take care of your physical health by eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep each night while avoiding unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or smoking cigarettes.
Tips and Warnings
- Sign up for a meditation or yoga class. Learn to say no, and guard your personal time.
- Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger or fatigue, as these may be symptoms of clinical depression.
