The last few years have brought a torrent of information about our physical health, but doctors, caregivers, and health officers alike agree that the pandemic took a major toll on our emotional health as well. This October, for National Emotional Wellness Month, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) staff offer tips for staying strong both inside and out. Emotional Wellness Month has been around since 2004 though taking time to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge has always been a vital part of a healthy life.
Though the restrictions and limitations necessitated by COVID-19 are slowing down, its impact remains with us. Many people are struggling to find ways to manage challenges in their personal lives that are stressful and overwhelming. Learning ways to cope with stress in a healthy way will not only help your physical and mental well-being, but it will help those who are around you and aid in the overall success of the community.
Our emotions are more than just behind-the-scenes players. Emotional wellness influences all aspects of our mental and physical health. Having strong emotional wellness allows individuals to have fewer negative emotions and helps them bounce back from difficulties in their life faster, due to having the skills to manage their stress.
TCPHSS suggests some simple ways we can restore, repair, and rebuild our emotional wellness. This can include finding someone to share your feelings and concerns with, setting aside time for wellness activities, building confidence, relaxing, and maintaining a strong support network of people around you.
Check in with yourself, too. Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed? What do you feel in your body, mind, and emotions when you are experiencing stress? Have you noticed an increase in the frequency or intensity of these feelings? Do you make time to take care of yourself on a daily basis? Are there people in your support system that you can ask for help when needed?
Even little things like reaching out to a friend or loved one for a chat, eating a balanced meal, getting plenty of sleep, doing deep breathing and stretching exercises, and avoiding smoking, drugs, and alcohol will help improve your emotional wellness.
Read more at ThurstonTalk.com.
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