When we talk about "health", what immediately comes to your mind? Maybe things like Blood Pressure, Sugar, Cholesterol. That's just about physical health, right? But there is something else that many of us forget, but is just as important. That is the health of our mind, or emotional health . There is actually a big connection between the health of our mind and the health of our body. Some people also call this `(Mind-body connection)`. So today, let's talk about what this health of the mind is and how to maintain it.
What exactly is emotional health?
Simply put, emotional health is a part of our overall mental health. That is, our ability to deal with, tolerate, and be aware of both positive and negative emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. An emotionally healthy person has good ways to cope with sadness and problems when they come across them. They also know that if they cannot control these things on their own, they should seek help from a professional.
Let's think about the relationship between mental health and physical health. Imagine that someone is under a lot of stress. Maybe it's because of work problems, family disputes, or financial problems. At times like these, some people try to relieve that stress by smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. But how much does this increase the risk of developing serious diseases like cancer and heart disease? So you can see how mental problems can lead to physical illnesses.
The important thing is that there are two things that make someone feel mentally ill and that they have poor emotional health. Mental illness can sometimes have deeper causes, such as chemical imbalances in the body or traumatic events in the past. But emotional health is the ability to manage emotions. Developing these skills is as important for people with mental illness as it is for people without it.
Signs that your emotional health needs attention
Sometimes, our mental health can deteriorate without us even realizing it. At such times, our behavior and daily life give us some clues. Take a look to see if you have any of these things too.
| Sign to pay attention to | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
| Loneliness | I try to stay alone, away from friends, family, and people at work. |
| Low energy | I feel more lethargic than usual, and I have no interest in doing anything. |
| Sleep changes | Either you sleep too much, or you can't sleep no matter how hard you try. |
| Changes in diet | Either you have lost your appetite, or you eat too much without control. |
| Increase in drug use | The use of things like smoking and alcohol has increased unknowingly. |
| Constantly flowing thoughts | I can't keep my mind in one place, one thing after another keeps coming to my mind. |
| Work interruption | Efficiency at work or study has decreased. |
| Conflicts with others | Problems and conflicts with others arise more frequently than usual. |
| Negative emotions | You are constantly angry, feel guilty about yourself, and feel like there is no hope. |
| Neglect of personal hygiene | They have become less concerned about their clothes and the cleanliness of their bodies. |
How to improve mental health?
The good news is that there are many things we can do to maintain and improve our mental health.
Create a balanced lifestyle
Maintain a good balance between work and personal life. Also, you need both time to be active and time to relax. Eat, drink, work, and have fun . Do all of this with awareness.
Maintain social connections.
We are social creatures. So, stay in touch with your friends and family. Call them at least once a week, and if possible, make time to meet up for a cup of tea. Virtual connections are great, but the comfort of meeting and talking is even greater.
Meditate.
Meditation is a practice that involves observing your thoughts and feelings from a distance. It can help you become more aware of your emotions. Even just 10 minutes a day is enough.
Be careful how you talk to yourself.
Do you often tell yourself things like, "I can't do this," "I'm such a failure"? This negative self- talk only brings you down. Instead, practice thinking and speaking positively about yourself. Practice saying things like, "I'm trying," and "I've learned a lesson from this."
Set goals and be happy when you achieve them.
Set small goals in life. Be happy with yourself when you reach those goals. This will increase your self-esteem.
Control drugs and alcohol
Sometimes we turn to alcohol to forget about a sadness or a problem. If you find yourself using these substances more than usual, think about whether the reason is a problem in your mind.
Develop resilience to problems
We also call this resilience . It means the ability to get back up again without falling when faced with a problem or a tragedy. Many of the things mentioned above help develop this ability.
Sleep well.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation reduces our ability to control our emotions and understand the emotions of others. So try to get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep a day.
Exercise.
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be a big workout. It can be as simple as going for a walk or dancing to a song at home. Exercise stimulates the body's production of happy hormones.
Find meaning in life
For some, their work gives them a lot of meaning in life. But that's not all. Even something as small as taking care of a pet or volunteering for a community service you love can add great purpose and joy to life.
Ask for help where you need it.
You don't have to go through everything alone. Recognizing that you need help and asking for it is not a weakness, it is a strength . If you are still struggling with the above, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. You can talk to your family doctor first. He or she will be able to provide you with the guidance you need.
Take-Home Message
- Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. There is a big connection between the two.
- It is very important to recognize your emotions (happiness, sadness, anger), accept them, and learn to deal with them in a healthy way.
- A balanced lifestyle, good social relationships, adequate sleep, and exercise have a positive impact on your emotional health.
- If you're having trouble managing your emotions on your own, never hesitate to seek professional help. Talking to your doctor is the best first step.
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