When we think of "health," we usually think of the body, right? For example, we often talk about things like blood cholesterol , blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. But there is actually something else that is just as important to the health of our body. That is the health of our mind, or emotional well-being. In fact, it has been proven by medical science today that there is a strong connection between our feelings of happiness, sadness, and anger and the health of our body.
What is Emotional Health?
Simply put, emotional health is one aspect of our overall mental health. That is, the ability to manage and be aware of the good and bad emotions (such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger) that we face in life. An emotionally healthy person is able to cope well with things like stress and sadness that arise in everyday life. Also, he knows that he needs to seek professional help, that is, the help of a doctor, when he realizes that he is having difficulty controlling these things on his own.
You may have already experienced this mind-body connection. Think about it, when an exam is approaching, or when there is a problem at work, some people get a stomachache, a headache, and a loss of appetite. These are the ways in which the stress in our minds is released from our bodies.
The important thing is that even someone with good emotional health can have a mental illness. It is also normal to feel sad or anxious on some days. Emotional health is not about being happy all the time. It is about our ability to manage our emotions, understand them, and cope with them.
Is your emotional health deteriorating? Watch out for these signs
Sometimes our emotional health can be compromised without us even realizing it. If you have been experiencing one or more of the symptoms in the table below for a long time, it may be time to take a closer look.
| Features to look out for | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Social isolation | Trying to be alone, away from friends, family, and work. |
| Loss of energy | Feeling more tired than usual and not interested in doing anything. |
| Sleep changes | Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough. |
| Changes in diet | Overeating or loss of appetite. |
| Increased drug/alcohol use | Excessive use of substances such as smoking and alcohol in the hope of reducing stress. |
| Unstoppable thoughts | Racing thoughts that run continuously inside your head, unstoppable, distressing thoughts. |
| Work interruption | Decreased efficiency at work or study. |
| Conflicts with others | Having conflicts with others more often than usual, getting angry quickly. |
| Neglecting personal hygiene | Not taking care of one's own cleanliness, such as washing oneself and wearing clean clothes. |
How to maintain good emotional health?
The good news is that there are many things we can do to protect and improve our emotional health. These are not new things, but when incorporated into our daily lives, they can make a big difference.
1. Maintain a balanced lifestyle
This means finding a balance between your work and personal life . Also, find a good balance between being active and relaxing. It's said that too much of anything is not good.
2. Maintain social connections
We all need to be connected as human beings. Stay in touch with family and friends. Talk at least once a week, and if possible, make time to meet up. Phone calls and video calls are great, but it's also important to meet face-to-face every now and then.
3. Meditate
Meditation can be intimidating to some people, but it's very simple. Meditation is about learning to observe your thoughts and feelings as an outsider. You can start with something as simple as setting aside 5 or 10 minutes a day to just focus on the way your breath goes up and down .
4. Change the way you talk about yourself (Positive self-talk)
Think about it, when you make a small mistake, do you tell yourself, "I can't do anything right"? This kind of negative self-talk will only make your self-confidence lower. Instead, practice thinking positively , "It's okay, I'll do better next time."
5. Limit drug and alcohol use
Many people turn to drugs and alcohol to help them forget their problems. However, in reality, while these drugs may provide temporary relief, they can be very harmful to your physical and mental health in the long run. If you find yourself using these drugs more than usual, consider whether the reason is a mental problem.
6. Develop resilience to problems
This refers to the ability to face life's challenges and difficult situations without giving in. This ability can also be developed through things like exercising, maintaining good social relationships, and thinking positively.
7. Sleep well.
Sleep is the best rest for our mind and body. Try to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a day. Research has even found that not getting enough sleep reduces our ability to control our emotions .
8. Exercise
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. This doesn't have to mean going to the gym. It can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, dancing at home, or doing some gardening. When we exercise, our brain releases endorphins, which can make us feel good.
9. Find meaning in life
It's great if you find satisfaction in your work. But that's not the only way to find meaning in life. Even something as simple as caring for a pet, volunteering for a community service you enjoy, or getting involved in church can add new purpose to your life.
10. Ask for help if needed.
This is the most important thing. If you are having a hard time dealing with these feelings on your own, it is also a great strength to admit it. Don't hesitate to talk to a trusted friend or family member. If you still don't feel better after doing all this, please see a doctor (physician) for advice. It is nothing to be ashamed of, it is just as normal as taking medicine for a physical illness.
Take-Home Message
- Just like your physical health, your emotional health is also extremely important. The two are interconnected.
- It's normal to feel sad and anxious. What matters is how you deal with those feelings.
- A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and daily exercise are also very good for your mind.
- Maintaining good relationships with family and friends is a great help in reducing stress.
- If you have been experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above for a long time, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor about it. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
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