Explanation of how to have satisfying emotional health. Also refer to stress, awareness, feelings, talents, esteem, appreciation, acceptance, confidence, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Importance of Emotional Health in Life
by Ron Kurtus (revised 17 February 2000)
A major part of your life is your emotional health and well-being. Fulfillment in your emotional health can contribute to leading a satisfying and successful life. Factors involved in having a satisfying emotional well-being are that you should be able to handle stress, be aware of your feelings, and appreciate the talents you have
Questions you may have include:
- What can I do about stress in my life?
- Why acknowledge my feelings?
- How can I avoid from feeling deficient?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Handle stress
People often let stress get the best of them. It is not what happens to you—instead, it is what you do about it. Stress can good for you, if it is managed in a positive sense. Mild stress can move you to action and keep you alert.
The trouble is when people have toxic stress and overload. Having too many problems or letting them get the best of you can take its toll. Worry and negative thoughts can increase stress and make it worse.
You should deal with stress by changing the perception of the problem and of yourself. Like the expression goes, "Don't sweat the small stuff... it's all small stuff."
Acknowledge your feelings
This principle in the philosophy for leading a well life states that you should acknowledge your feelings, but refuse to get stuck in the negative ones. You have to take responsibility for your own moods. Be realistic to see if you can respond differently to a difficult situation.
Situations usually cause emotions and feelings. You can acknowledge stress, sadness, anger or such. You can say, "That situation makes me angry" or such. But then move on. You should not let such negative feelings ruin your day or affect the people around you.
Author Joan Borysenko states in her book, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, that learning to be aware of feelings is an essential lifetime skill that will reduce unnecessary tension and promote healing (see Resources below).
Appreciate your talents
You should look at what you have done and appreciate your talents in those achievements. This will enhance your emotional well-being.
Don't look at yourself as someone who needs correcting or who has missing character traits. Rather consider yourself a work-in-process. You area complete person, but you're simply not finished improving. Thus, you seek growth and change. This changes the way you perceive achievement and life.
Be motivated by goals that have deep meaning and dreams that need completion, rather than trying to fulfill some deficiency in your life.
Summary
To have a satisfying emotional health, you should try to handle stress effectively, be aware of your feelings, and appreciate what you are able to do.
Turn your stress into positive energy
Resources
The following resources provide information on this subject.
Websites
Books
Top-rated
books on Success in Life
The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness by Greg Anderson, Harper Collins Books, 1996 ($12.00). Provides an excellent blueprint for the principles to follow to lead a good life
Minding the Body, Mending the Mind by Joan Borysenko, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publications, 1993 ($12.76). Explains the mind's ability to use deep relaxation to promote physical healing, eliminate stress or stress-related illnesses, and surmount pain
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson, Hyperion, 1997 ($11.50) Book aims to reduce stress by having a different outlook on life, along with meditations and directions to make you a happier, more harmonious person
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
1. What is a good way to handle too much stress?
2. What should you do when someone hurts your feelings?
3. How should you feel if you are habitually late for appointments?
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Life. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Importance of Emotional Health in Life