healthy emotion

Just stumbled across an old article published in The Star somewhere in Feb'10. An article by Kotra Pharma.

In times, we tend to forget that we need to be emotionally healthy, too. Your mental is the most powerful weapon of yourself. Treat it well, and next you'll see that you're soaring up high in the sky.

Though it may be a bit long, but do spend some time to read the whole article (as below).

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The more you invest in emotional health, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle life.

WHETHER you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s, your emotional wellbeing should not be taken for granted. Emotional health has a bearing on everything that we do, so it is vital to be healthy in that department, at any age.

When you are emotionally healthy, you have better control of your feelings and behaviour. You are capable of handling life’s ups and downs better, building stronger relationships, and becoming more resilient.

Being emotionally healthy equates with being mentally healthy. Being mentally healthy does not mean an existence that is free from depression or other psychological challenges. Rather, it points to the ability to draw on positive strengths to cope with the negative aspects of life. When you are mentally or emotionally healthy, you are able to face any uphill issues positively. These will not break you.

Taking care of your physical health is one way to ensure emotional and mental health. No matter the age, the person who looks after his or her body will experience greater mental health. When you exercise, endorphins are also released. These chemicals from the brain and nervous system energise and lift moods. Exercise relieves stress, anxiety, and depression,

In addition, make sure you get the nutrients your body needs to keep all its parts functioning properly. A simple supplement may be the solution.

Get out and spend some time outdoors every day. Even a short spell of 10 minutes can be very invigorating.

Also remember to make time spent alone meaningful, productive, and enjoyable. Learn to enjoy your own company. Partake in activities that stimulate the mind and body.

Last but not least, sleep well. The average seven to eight hours sleep every night will help you to function at your optimum during the day.

Sadness is common among the aged for a multitude of reasons: loss of independence, career, health, a loved one, mobility, etc. But depression is not normal. Losing all hope and joy is not age-inclusive. When this happens, as it sometimes might, do not withdraw into isolation. Instead, take positive steps and talk to someone. Do not let this mental and emotional state slide go untreated.

Your feelings are very important! Make sure you take care of them. Do not let stress and negative emotions get in the way. Cultivate a good balance between what you perceive as responsibilities and the things you enjoy. The important thing is to ultimately feel good about yourself and the things you do.

Getting in touch with your senses is a good first step in that direction.

1. Awaken your senses. Indulge in therapies that appeal to your sense of smell, touch, taste, sound, and sight. Place a bowl of geraniums where you can see and smell them. Sip warm luxuriant ginger tea as you listen to uplifting music.

2. Awaken your sense of creativity. Engage in activities that will challenge your mind. You can plan and create a beautiful garden, a section at a time. Watch your creation take shape with time.
Let your hidden talents surface, be they in painting, carpentry, writing, playing a musical instrument, or cooking.

3. Awaken your love. Get a pet. No love is quite as unconditional as a pet’s. Whilst the responsibility gives you a sense of purpose, pets offer companionship, a reason to get out of your house for fresh air and exercise and a way to make new friends with other pet lovers.

4. Awaken your sense of humour. Watch movies that make you laugh. Surround yourself with friends that laugh often. Learn to always look at the funny side of things. You’ll soon find yourself in a better mood than most.

5. Awaken your sense of wonder. Explore new places. Read books you’ve never had before. Learn new skills. Take up an amazing new hobby.

6. Awaken your sense of gratitude. Take time to appreciate all the simple things that you have. Reflect or meditate on it. Be thankful for the garden, for the trees, for the inspiring beauty of the rising sun, for the people who care, for the little things that you can enjoy.

Be proactive. Yes you can be sixty-something and be a go-getter. Do not wait for someone to call or something to happen. Go out and get them. Do something for someone you care in itsy-bitsy ways. Call up a buddy to join you for morning coffee or a movie. It does not always have to be members of your family. Expand your network of friends.

Support can also come in the form of moral or emotional support from people who can identify with your needs. Do not limit your circle of friends to people your own age. Make an effort to befriend the young. You can learn something from each other.

Be adventurous and take every opportunity you can to feel free and independent. You’d be amazed at how your children and grandchildren see you. They are very likely to rally behind and around you to hear your stories and share your experiences.

For those who lack mobility, join some interest group, be it from the neighbourhood church or charitable organisation. Think of ways you can volunteer. Ask if there is anything you can do under your circumstances. If you can’t go to them, there is a chance things can be organised where they can come to you. Explore possibilities. Perhaps you can do social work from home through the phone, or run a home business that gives you the opportunity to interact with others and gain some independence for yourself.

Make it a point to join a club or society where you can interact with people on a regular basis. It is an interesting way to make new friends and forge supportive relationships with people of like minds
If you have done what you can for your emotional and mental health and still feel down, you are in trouble. It’s time to raise the SOS call. For the senior, any of these signs signal “Please help!”:

•Insomnia
•Anxiety and worries
•Memory problems
•Feelings of helplessness
•Feelings of hopelessness
•Irritability
•Unexplained aches and pains
•Lack of interest in personal care
•Loss of joy

Once you see the signs, it’s time to call on a professional counsellor. Just remember, the sooner one gets counselling or therapy, the faster one gets out of the problem and regains emotional health. The longer you wait, the more entrenched the problem becomes. Reaching out helps get you emotionally and mentally healthy again.