# data[].attributes.body
Emotional health is an important part of overall health. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They're able to cope with life's challenges. They can keep problems in perspective and bounce back from setbacks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For starters, it's not the same thing as mental health. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, emotional health "focuses on being in tune with our emotions, vulnerability, and authenticity," says licensed psychologist Juli Fraga, PsyD.

Having good emotional health is a fundamental aspect of fostering resilience, self-awareness, and overall contentment.

Keep in mind that having good emotional health doesn't mean you're always happy or free from negative emotions. It's about having the skills and resources to manage the ups and downs of day-to-day life.

Here's a look at some common examples of good emotional health and the impact it can have.

1. Noticing upsetting emotions when they arise

This enables you to name them and process them in healthy ways. For example, you might choose to compassionately confront someone who hurt or angered you rather than lash out at them. Or maybe you opt to set some healthy boundaries at work or with loved ones.

2. Catching your own self-judgments

According to Fraga, this means turning that critical inner voice into an opportunity for self-love and compassion.

For example, when you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk, you might ask:

"If my child, partner, or best friend were talking to me this way, how would I respond?"

"What makes it challenging for me to treat myself the same way I treat others?"

3. Curiosity

Emotional health flourishes when you're curious about your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and why they might arise at certain times, says Fraga.

It's important to be able to ask yourself, "Why do I react this way?" or "What is it about my past that might lead me to have a strong reaction to x, y, and z?"

Working on our emotional health is just as important as taking care of our physical well-being.

And that work pays off with:

Resilience to stress. shows that emotional distress makes you more vulnerable to physical illness by impacting your immune system.

Deeper relationships. When you're equipped with the skills to manage your emotions, it's easier for you to connect with others and show more empathy and compassion. You're also better able to hold arguments and talk through your feelings.

Higher self-esteem. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences influence the way you feel about yourself. Good emotional health helps you see the best in yourself despite challenges.

More energy. Having a positive outlook makes you feel more energized and helps you focus and think more clearly, whereas poor emotional health depletes your mental resources and leads to exhaustion.

Emotional health is more of a process than a goal. And chances are you're already doing some things that help strengthen your emotional health.

As you go through these tips, remember that emotional health isn't about always being in a good mood. It's about equipping yourself to deal with the good, the bad, and everything in between.

1. Practice emotional regulation

Emotions can and sometimes will get the best of you, but learning coping strategies to temper them can help you respond instead of react to upsetting situations, Fraga advises.

Coping strategies can include:

2. Exercise

If you're overwhelmed with stress at work or at home, getting regular exercise can feel impossible. But taking the time for physical activity can nourish both your emotional and your physical health, says Fraga.

Aim to set aside 30 minutes a day for some kind of physical activity. If you're short on time, find 10- or 15-minute chunks of time to go for a quick walk.

3. Strengthen social connections

Your links to others can have powerful effects on your emotional and physical health. Staying connected with loved ones can provide a buffer when you're going through challenges,

Foster these connections by spending time with close friends and family, either in person or over the phone.

4. Be mindful

A growing body of research links mindfulness with less emotional reactivity and greater relationship satisfaction.

Mindfulness can be as simple as focusing on one thing at a time, trying a social media detox, or turning household tasks into a mental break. The point is to be consistent with your mindfulness practice and dedicate even just a few minutes to something you enjoy.

5. Get quality sleep

Sacrificing sleep makes you more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.

One 2018 study found that being sleep-deprived leads to more repetitive negative thoughts. Being overly tired can make you more emotionally reactive. That emotional reactivity can negatively affect your outlook, performance, and relationships.

Make sure you're being consistent with your sleep and waking times as well as optimizing your bedroom environment so that you're getting enough rest.

Good emotional health is crucial to your overall well-being. If you feel like your thoughts and emotions are getting the best of you, taking care of your core needs - like sleep and connection with loves ones - can help.

If that doesn't seem to do the trick, consider working with a therapist or another mental health professional. They can help you clearly identify the aspects of your emotional health you want to improve and help you come up with a plan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Emotional Health: Why It's as Important as Physical Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For starters, it's not the same thing as mental health. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, emotional health "focuses on being in tune with our emotions, vulnerability, and authenticity," says licensed psychologist Juli Fraga, PsyD. Having good emotional health is a fundamental aspect of fostering resilience, self-awareness, and overall contentment.

# data[].attributes.body
Emotional health allows you to work productively and cope with the stresses of everyday life. It can help you realize your full potential. It helps you work with other people and contribute to society.

There are many ways to improve or maintain good emotional health.

Be aware of your emotions and reactions

Notice what in your life makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Try to address or change those things.

Express your feelings in appropriate ways

Let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness or anger inside adds to stress. It can cause problems in your relationships and at work or school.

Strive for balance

Find a healthy balance between work and play, and between activity and rest. Make time for things you enjoy. Focus on positive
things in your life.

Take care of your physical health

Exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, and get enough sleep. Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Keep your physical health from affecting your emotional health.

Connect with others

Make a lunch date, join a group, and say hi to strangers. We need positive connections with other people.

Find purpose and meaning

Figure out what’s important to you in life, and focus on that. This could be your work, your family, volunteering, caregiving, or something else. Spend your time doing what feels meaningful to you.

Stay positive

Focus on the good things in your life. Forgive yourself for making mistakes and forgive others. Spend time with healthy, positive people.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Take a look at the impact of your emotions.
2. Aim for regulation, not repression.
3. Identify what you’re feeling.
4. Accept your emotions — all of them.
5. Keep a mood journal. (optional)
6. Take a deep breath.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart
Helen Keller
Tags: by-anne-sullivan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Lessons We MUST LEARN in Hard Times (Motivational Video)

# data[].attributes.headline
Be aware of your emotions and your feelings

# data[].attributes.subject
Be aware of your emotions and your feelings

# data[].attributes.body
Emotional health is about how we think and feel. It is about our sense of wellbeing, our ability to cope with life events and how we acknowledge our own emotions as well as those of others. It doesn’t mean being happy all of the time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Nicholeen Peck - Teaching Self Government

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Control Your Emotions In The Moment

# data[].attributes.body
EMOTIONAL HEALTH