If I have learned anything about wellness and the six principles of well-being (emotional, physical, spiritual, social, intellectual and occupational), it is that they do not exist on their own. Each of them weave into the others and support each other. Each principle is important, but emotional well-being seems to be the one that creates the bedrock for the others.
I do not know about you, but for me, when my emotions are in check, so is everything else. Anger disrupts progress. Sadness disrupts motivation. Fear disrupts productivity. All of these disrupt relationships. But happiness, enjoyment, gratitude, and hope create steadiness.
Emotional well-being is important because it supports relationships, outlook on life, moods, and health. It gives us the ability to adapt when confronted with adversity and stress. The Institute for Well-Being in the Law explains emotional well-being as the principle of well-being where we "value emotions; develop the ability to identify and manage our emotions to support mental health, achieve goals, and inform decisions. Seek help for mental health when needed."
The foundation of emotional well-being is resilience. Resilience thrives when we are able to recognize the emotions that are triggers and express them in a constructive manner. Our resilience is like a muscle that needs attention. It flexes and develops the more that it is used and cared for.
With the turn of the New Year, people find themselves setting new goals, changing outlooks, and creating intentions for themselves. Emotional well-being is the perfect well-being principle with which to begin a new year. As you turn your focus inwards on yourself, start thinking about the changes that you want to make for the New Year, and your goals, you are already working on your emotional well-being.
As you focus on the New Year, make your emotional well-being a priority. Here are some ways to do that:
- Establish a routine. Create a schedule that works for you. That balances the work you need to do with the work you want to do.
- Have a plan. Take the time each day to create the plan that will allow you to be productive with the things that need to get done.
- Connect with others. Check in on those people who you care about. Ask for help when you need it. Spend time with your family. Look people in the eyes.
- Forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness creates space for the things that are the most important.
- Do something for others. Volunteer. Send a thank you note. Hold the door open for someone.
- Be kind. Most especially to yourself because your kindness for others starts from within.
- Be self-aware. Your thoughts become words. Your words become actions. Notice what needs to change and what needs to be fostered for growth.
- Be kind to yourself. Focus on what brings you joy and peace.
Having a strong emotional well-being will allow you to be more prepared to face events that are outside of your control, without you losing control. The resilience that emotional well-being brings will allow you to be steady.
Sometimes, we cannot do this on our own. If you find that you need help to develop your emotional well-being or if you have concerns for your mental health, seek help through speaking with your doctor, therapist, loved ones, or contact Missouri Lawyers Assistance Program (MOLAP). MOLAP is a professional and confidential service that includes counseling, crisis intervention and education (1-800-688-7859).
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