We can’t control life’s ups and downs, but we can control the way we respond to them. Emotional wellness can help us navigate challenges and feel better. It can also lower our risk for physical and mental health issues and increase overall life satisfaction.
What is emotional wellness?
Emotional wellness refers to an awareness, understanding and acceptance of your emotions, as well as your ability to manage them effectively through challenges and changes. It involves successfully handling life’s stresses, adapting to difficult times and thriving. Here are some tips to improve your emotional wellness:
Take care of your physical health – Don’t underestimate the importance of basic physical health needs like getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and engaging in physical activity.
Fill your emotional resilience tank – Building emotional well-being means consistently engaging in healthy habits, not waiting until you’re overwhelmed.
Connect with others – It’s important to have a community of people who care for you. Socializing is an emotional wellness activity that can reduce stress and lower your risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Talk to a professional – You don’t need to reach a crisis point in your emotional well-being to see a mental health coach or therapist. Behavioral health professionals can help you develop emotional wellness at any point in your life. It’s especially crucial to reach out to a professional if you feel like what’s happening is beyond your capacity to handle or you notice that your physical health is declining, and you’re struggling to handle responsibilities or get enjoyment out of life.
Emotional wellness will benefit you throughout your life. A mental health professional can help you identify ways to keep your resilience tank full so you can navigate life more effectively and make room for more joy.
Join or Learn More
Vanderbilt employees and their families are eligible to receive 12 counseling or coaching sessions per household member each calendar year, at no cost to employees.
Sign up today at vanderbilt.lyrahealth.com or call 877-804-2856.
You can view frequently asked question on the Office of Health, Wellbeing and Belonging’s website.
Guided by the Surgeon General’s Five Essentials for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being, the Office of Health, Wellbeing and Belonging aims to strengthen health, well-being and a sense of belonging among employees. We are dedicated to promoting mental health, work-life balance and a supportive work environment. For more information, email Health, Wellbeing and Belonging at wellbeing@vanderbilt.edu
