October is emotional wellness month! What exactly is emotional wellness? Emotional wellness encompasses the feeling of happiness and success. It is learning how to deal with the ups and down of life, coping with challenges and having control of your life and a sense of purpose. When you are emotionally well you function more effectively in your workplace, community, and in relationships.
Mental Health America (MHA) reports that over 40 million Americans suffer from at least one mental health problem. Prolonged untreated mental health problems may lead to more severe psychological and physical health conditions such as: insomnia, hypertension, headaches, shortness of breath, impulsivity, and muscle aches. Mindfulness, along with a healthy lifestyle, and stress management can help you deal with mental health problems. Treatment can include medication along with healthy habits, yoga, meditation, and counseling.
Make your life better by establishing healthy habits. To encourage holistic health, focus on healthy habits which make you feel good!
- Mindfulness: Be mindful, focus on the specific moment you are in.
- Journaling: Write down your joys.
- Meditate/Yoga
- Laugh! Laughing releases, the happy juice — endorphins. With endorphins surging through our bloodstream, we’re more apt to feel happy and relaxed. With each laugh, therefore, we’re relieving stress, reducing anxiety, and increasing our stores of personal energy.
- Say “NO” without guilt. Learning to set boundaries and spending time for yourself is imperative for self-care.
- Read Books
- Seek therapy
- Communicate with others your feelings and needs.
- Focus on the good.
American Psychological Association, (2018) Stress Effects on the Body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
Miller, K. (2020). 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/
Powers-Barker, P., (2016). Introduction to Mindfulness. Ohioline: Ohio State University Extension. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5243
Written by: Kellie Lemly M.Ed., Family Consumer Science Educator, OSU Extension, Champaign County, lemly.2@osu.edu
Reviewer: Roseanne Scammahorn, Ph.D. Family Consumer Science Educator, OSU Extension, Darke County, scammahron.5@osu.edu
Live Healthy Live Well 
Thanks so much for this article.