When our emotions are out of balance, the resulting feeling of instability can create irritability, anxiety, depression and discontent. Grounding and stabilizing our emotions goes a long way toward nurturing wellness, but can be difficult to do when we have a source of stress in our lives.
Routine and consistency can encourage much-needed balance and wellbeing. Focusing on creating positive emotions can also prevent the negative thoughts that can aggravate emotional friction.
When stress is getting the better of your emotional wellbeing, here are a few things to do to get back into balance. Remember that taking time out for you is a well-deserved necessity, not a luxury!
- Get a professional massage as a way of reconnecting with your body
- Take time for mindfulness exercises and deep breathing upon waking up and before going to sleep
- Adopt a pre-sleep ritual such as reading a book or taking a luxurious bath
- Focus on healthful meals and enjoy them mindfully
- Make a point to brew a pot of tea in the afternoon and enjoy it slowly as you relax
- Put technology aside for two hours a day and focus on what you want to do with that time
- Explore aromatherapy and find the scents that soothe you the most
- Spend 30 minutes outside each day, whether eating, napping, reading, gardening or just relaxing
Each of these activities has been shown to boost well-being in one way or another: mindfulness, healthy eating, adequate sleep, aromatherapy and enjoying the outdoors are scientifically proven ways to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Choose the item that calls to you most, or pick a different one each month. Whatever you choose, it is sure to invite balance and wellness into your life.
