On a scale of 1-10, how stressed out are you? It’s amazing how many people think stress is something you can just burn off at the gym. In reality, stress comes from emotion and it will take more than a few miles on the treadmill to “cure.” Optimal wellness is much more than physical health. Wellness is the full integration of your physical, mental and spiritual self. Having all areas aligned is what makes you emotionally healthy.  It is important to remember emotional wellness starts with self. Take a moment and think about the last time you did something enjoyable for yourself. What were you doing? How did you feel? In our twenties, understanding ourselves should be a #1 priority. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what you should be doing to become a better you, here are seven activities that will promote an emotional healthy self.

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   Meditation
   Meditation is becoming very popular in the millennial culture. It’s a great practice that increases self-awareness and acceptance. Meditation allows all of your thoughts to come to the front of your mind. Some worry that they’re meditating wrong because their mind isn’t “clear.” The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you. There are several books and guided meditation apps, audiotapes and podcasts that are a great place to start. Reduce your stress while manifesting the life you desire with meditation.                                                                       

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   Hang out with friends
   A social life is very important. There is nothing fun about being socially awkward. Hanging out with friends allows you to see yourself vividly amongst other people. All work and no play will make you very boring, lets’ just be honest. Plan a weekend with friends to get drinks and have as much fun as possible.                                                          

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   Eating Consciously
   Thanks to the hit documentary “What the Health” most millennials are making changes to their eating habits. Eating consciously has many benefits that will have you feeling energetic and ready to take on the world each day. Most millennials who have gym memberships have some consciousness on the affects each meal has on their body. What about those who aren’t gym rats and prefer to just stay home? If that’s you, eating consciously, meaning eating more green foods, drinking more water and consuming little to no processed foods; will have a positive effect on your emotional wellness, both in the mind and body.                                                                               

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   Talking to yourself
   Trust me, you are not crazy. Everyone talks to themselves, silently, aloud or both. There is nothing wrong with verbally walking yourself through your thoughts. The most popular form of self-talk is daily affirmations. Take a moment every day to say some encouraging words to yourself. Use I AM statements to speak to your subconscious.

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   Fit Activities
   Going to the gym is nice but sometimes it can feel like a chore. Award yourself with a variety of fit activities. Try yoga, a walk around your neighborhood or sign up for a fitness event at a nearby park. Fit activities are the best stress relievers to date, they are even better with friends.                                                                                                          

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   Journaling
   There is power in writing. Journaling doesn’t have to feel like you’re keeping a diary. Keeping a notebook handy will help you sift through your ideas, goals and dreams. Journaling helps with planning and just getting ideas out of your head. When we feel like we have so much going on in our lives and we can’t keep up, take a moment and write down everything that’s on your mind in list form. Prioritize that list and see what you need to do right away and complete the list of actions as they follow. Journaling will save you time and get you out of your own head.                                         

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   Napping
   Sometimes we just need a nap. Taking a few hours out of your day to rest won’t hurt you or anyone else. If you find yourself cranky or frazzled from all of your responsibilities, just take a moment and sleep. Since you have all this going on in your subconscious, your dreams can tell you your next move.

 Emotional wellness is very important for everyone. It’s striving to meet your emotional self constructively.  It’s the art of maintaining yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. It’s key to have a positive attitude, high self-esteem and a strong self-image to align your dimensions. Increasing emotional wellness will help you approach a variety of situations realistically, learn more about yourself and how the things you do affect your feelings.  Practicing these self-care activities will put you in a position to take responsibility for your own behavior and respond to challenges as opportunities.

By: Jillynn L. Reese

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