^{Mind Body Connections: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health}

American Academy of Family Physicians

What is good emotional health?

People with good emotional health are aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They have learned healthy ways to cope with the stress and problems that are a normal part of life. They feel good about themselves and have healthy relationships.

However, many things that happen in your life can disrupt your emotional health and lead to strong feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety. These things include:

· Having a child leave or return home

· Getting married

· Getting a job promotion

· Moving to a new home or having a baby

“Good” changes can be just as stressful as “bad” changes.

Possible signs that your emotional health is out of balance:

· Change in appetite

· Constipation or diarrhea

· Extreme tiredness

· Weight gain or loss

Ways that you can improve your emotional health.

First, try to recognize your emotions and understand why you are having them. Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress and anxiety in your life can help you manage your emotional health. The following are some other helpful tips:

Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety are causing problems these feelings inside can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you.  However, keep in mind that your family and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately.  At these times, ask someone outside the situation—such as your family doctor, a counselor or religious advisors—for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health.

Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, school or home that lead to negative feelings. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too. You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful.  Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost.  You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed.  Make time for things you enjoy.

Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods such as prayer, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Prayer is a form of peaceful and joyous thoughts.

Take care of yourself.  To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve pent-up tension.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians www.familydoctor.org M