Achieving emotional wellbeing involves understanding how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected. If we deal with them in unhealthy ways, it will affect our overall wellbeing. Learning to accept them with compassion, and without judgement and putting the right steps in place means we can flourish in our emotional wellbeing.
Here are some tips to get you started.
Awareness.
The first step to emotional wellbeing is becoming more aware of any negative thoughts and being able to eliminate them when they arise. Try replacing each negative thought with three positive thoughts. If you find this a struggle, start with a gratitude list and note everything in your life you are appreciative of, and then revisit these thoughts when you find yourself in a negative spiral.
Positive affirmations.
Practise positive affirmations by choosing something that is meaningful to you - for example, ‘I am kind’, ‘I am strong’ - and saying this out loud. My favourite affirmation is ‘I am enough’. The more you practise, the more your mind will believe it. Try it in the shower if you feel a little uncomfortable at first!
Focus on the good times.
If you find your mind starts to wander and focus on negative thoughts, try to take a step back, pause and reflect on a happy memory or moment that brought you joy - whether that’s a recent conversation with a friend or loved one, a birthday or other occasion, or a significant achievement in life.
Be present.
Instead of reflecting on the past or worrying about what’s ahead, focus on your breath and become mindful with your thoughts and feelings. This bring you to the present moment and will help you feel more calm and relaxed and to have clearer thoughts.
Journaling.
Journaling is a powerful way to give clarity and perspective to your thoughts and feelings as they arise. Try for an entry or a day or every few days – whatever works best for you. Note down all worries and all successes and how they made you feel.
Stress.
Stress has a big impact on our emotional wellbeing - almost two in five of us identify with feeling stressed at any one time. The good news is that stress can be prevented and is manageable if it arises. Give the below a go to prevent a burnout.
Self-care.
You can practise self-care by doing one thing every day that you enjoy. It could be anything from drinking your favourite tea, to wearing your pyjamas or watching your favourite show on Netflix. Let yourself the time to be fully present in that activity without guilt or distraction.
Balance.
Finding balance in life is vital for our wellness. If you struggle with balance, try keeping a diary and setting aside time for different tasks, including your self-care, and stick to it. Let family and friends know that you prefer to stick to regular meeting dates and times and let them know it has a positive impact on your wellness.
Accept.
Accept that mistakes happen - perfection doesn’t exist in wellbeing. Acknowledging and accepting the situation will enable you to learn, grow and move on.
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING AND POSITIVITY.
If we consciously choose to nourish our minds with positivity, love, kindness, beauty and fun, it will help improve our wellbeing.
Here are some tips to assist with positive thinking.
Breathe.
The power of breath is an incredible thing. When you feel stressed or anxious, spend one minute breathing long and slow, deep breathes. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I stop and take a breath. It has changed my life and I promise it will change yours!
Be grateful.
Take time to remind yourself of all the blessings you have in your life and write them down. Connect with nature and smell the air, feel every sensation in your body when you take a step and fully connect with everyone and everything around you.
Be yourself.
Be who you want to be and not what you think you should be. Never forget that you are unique and the expert about yourself. No one knows you better than you.
Be your best friend.
Treat yourself as you would your best friends. Self- love and respect is key for emotional wellbeing.
Be visual.
Guided visualisation is a powerful tool that helps guide the mind into positive thoughts.
Here is a guided visualising exercise that you can try at home.
• Find a relaxing and quiet place.
• Get comfortable, close your eyes and ask yourself “what can I do right now that will make me feel good”
• Decide what it is that you want to do or where you want to go.
• Let your mind run free to that place or thing.
• Have fun, relax with and immerse yourself in your vision.
Where will you go today?
If you would like some extra support with your emotional wellbeing click here to download week 1 of my Nourish Me Intuitive eating and Wellbeing program.