Wellness zone with Phyllis Ogo Ogah
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Hello once again. Today, we will be looking at a segment of wellness that drives our very core. The emotional dimension of wellness is one that recognizes awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about one’s self and life. It includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one’s limitations, development of autonomy,and ability to cope effectively with stress. Also, psychotherapy theories have shown that people who have social support are happier people.
The well person maintains satisfying relationships with others. Awareness of and accepting a wide range of feelings in yourself and others is essential to wellness. On the wellness path, you’ll be able to express feelings freely and manage feelings effectively. You’ll be able to arrive at personal choices and decisions based upon the synthesis of feelings, thoughts, philosophies, and behavior. You’ll live and work independently while realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others. You’ll be able to form interdependent relationships with others based upon a foundation of mutual commitment, trust, and respect. You’ll take on challenges, take risks, and recognize conflict as being potentially healthy.
Managing your life in personally rewarding ways, and taking responsibility for your actions, will help you see life as an exciting, hopeful adventure. Emotional wellness is striving to meet emotional needs constructively. It is maintaining good mental health, a positive attitude, high self-esteem, and a strong self-image. It is the ability to respond resiliently to emotional states and the flow of life every day. It is dealing with a variety of situations realistically and learning more about yourself and how things you do affect your feelings. It is taking responsibility for your own behavior and responding to challenges as opportunities. Emotional wellness encourages us to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic, and to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.
Emotional Wellness Assessment
Read each statement carefully and respond honestly by using the following scoring:
Always = 2 points
Occasionally = 1 point
Seldom = 0 points
1. I am able to develop and maintain close relationships.
2. I accept the responsibility for my actions.
3. I see challenges and change as opportunities for growth.
4. I feel I have considerable control over my life.
5. I am able to laugh at life and myself.
6. I feel good about myself.
7. I am able to appropriately cope with stress and tension and make time for leisure pursuits.
8. I am able to recognize my personal shortcomings and learn from my mistakes.
9. I am able to recognize and express my feelings.
10. I enjoy life.
Total score
Score: 15 to 20 Points - Excellent Score: 9 to 14 Points - There is room for improvement. Look again at the items in which you scored 1 or 0. What changes can you make to improve your score?
0 to 8 Points - This dimension needs a lot of work. Look again at this dimension and challenge yourself to begin making small steps toward growth here.
Remember: Love life and life will love you back.
Tips to enhance emotional wellness
Get fit. Countless studies have shown that exercise lifts moods and enhances the quality of life. Jumping on a treadmill or cross trainer for 30 minutes can cause the brain to release serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine which are soothing chemicals.
Seek pleasure.’ All work and no play makes Jack a dull man’. Do not be consumed by responsibilities and neglect enjoying life. Psychologists direct us to add something positive and pleasurable to our everyday lives and sustain it.
Find a passion. Find out what your purpose in life is and make a list of what you want to achieve before you leave the stage. Identifying and pursuing it can help develop into a rich and exciting life that opens unimaginable doors.
Spend time with friends and family discussing important personal concerns and being supportive of each other.
Participate in self-esteem workshops or support groups.
Read a self-help book that is of interest to you.
Learn time management skills and other stress management techniques.
Attend a wellness forum.
Smile at least 20 times each day.
Health TIP OF THE WEEK
The way to happiness is laughter, peace and love. Saturate your thoughts with peaceful experiences, words and ideas, and ultimately you will have a storehouse of peace producing experiences to which you may turn for refreshment and renewal of your spirit.
Keep Moving
