Your Emotional Health —Who’s In Charge?

Hueina Su, in her book, Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul, describes how to handle life’s stressors by slowing down and assessing the situation rather than trying to “put out the fire” as you work harder and more frantically. She advises that you identify the stress and feelings of overwhelm now and eliminate them from re-appearing later in life as a physical disease. I recommend that you read this book and follow advice to experience a sense of calm and an ability to take control of your emotional health.


Become Self Aware

To become more aware of your emotional response patterns, and to identify the source of your stress try journal writing. Document your daily reactions to situations and the emotions you displayed. Can you identify the circumstances that trigger various emotional responses? What can you control in your life and what is outside of your control? Keeping a journal is the first important step in becoming aware of who you are, what your core values are and how you feel about your life circumstances.


Reflect on What Matters

Things only become a distraction if you let them. They do not have to be a negative influence. Find ways to refocus and decluter your mind with such relaxation techniques as meditation. Get rid of the distractions that keep you stuck with the past and outdated perspectives: cluttering possessions, illogical beliefs about your self worth, and self-destructive habits like spending time with people who drain your energy.

During meditation, reflect on who you are, what your values are and begin to discern a vision for what your life mission should be. As you consider the activities and responsibilities that you have to complete, ask yourself if these tasks are aligned with your emerging sense of purpose. Delegate those activities that someone else can handle and keep only those things that you have to do. At this point, it is also important to remember that you have permission to “Just Say No!”


Be at Peace with What Is

Thoughts matter. The first step toward becoming more organized and purposeful in your thinking is to become more aware of your thoughts. Learn to be aware of your internal dialogue and script positive rather than negative thoughts. Practice being optimistic in your thinking. One way to become more optimistic is to show gratitude. Even in the midst of great amounts of stress and challenging life struggles, consider what you can be grateful for. This might be a great time to review the Serenity Prayer.



Here is another book that I highly recommend. In her book, The Won Thing, Peggy McColl describes that women can reach their dreams and live a fulfilling life with a sense of purpose. Managing your thoughts, taking charge of your emotional health and feeling grateful are all part of your personal recipe. She spends time throughout the chapters, showing you the many different strategies she tried in order to gain a healthy sense of purpose before she discovered the "Won Thing" that worked. Peggy shares the lessons she learned and will show you how to realize your own dreams and design your own winning formula.



Being thankful about what life has to offer helps you develop feelings of hopefulness and promotes positive attitudes that help you let go of negative feelings and self-defeating decisions. When you feel comfortable in your own skin, you are more likely to exhibit these positive expressions. Expressing gratitude is a great habit that helps move the psychological road blocks out of the way so that the creative energy can flow again. Emotional health is at the root of your personal wellbeing.

Healthy Tips that Lead to a Hearty Lifestyle

How to to Cope With Stress

Worry Control: How to Stop Thse Anxious Thoughts

Regaining Emotional Health from a Self Confidence Crisis

Return to Stress Management Home Page

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