Amina sat quietly in her office, scrolling through emails, but her mind was elsewhere. She had always been a high achiever, balancing work, family, and social life seamlessly, or so she thought. Recently, she found herself feeling constantly overwhelmed, snapping at colleagues, and experiencing frequent headaches. She couldn’t remember the last time she truly felt at peace.
Amina had always dismissed emotions as something to be managed quietly. However, when a close friend suggested that she might be struggling with emotional exhaustion, she decided to take a step back and assess her well-being. That was the moment she realised she needed to prioritise her emotional health.
Understanding Emotional Health
Emotional health refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It plays a crucial role in overall well-being, influencing mental clarity, relationships, and even physical health. Poor emotional health can lead to anxiety, depression, high stress levels, and even physical ailments such as heart disease and weakened immunity.
People with good emotional health are not free from stress or negative emotions, but they have developed healthy coping mechanisms that allow them to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
What Led to It?
After reflecting on her recent struggles, Amina identified several factors that had contributed to her emotional distress:
Suppressed Emotions
Amina often bottled up her feelings, believing that showing vulnerability was a sign of weakness. She would push through stress, refusing to acknowledge her emotional struggles. Over time, this built-up frustration and left her feeling mentally drained.
Overworking and Neglecting Self-Care
She took on excessive responsibilities at work, rarely taking breaks. She equated being productive with being valuable, neglecting her need for rest and self-care. The constant workload left her in a perpetual state of exhaustion.
Lack of Support System
Despite having friends and family, Amina rarely opened up about her struggles. She feared being a burden to others and instead kept her worries to herself, isolating herself emotionally.
Neglecting Joyful Activities
Over time, she stopped engaging in hobbies that once brought her joy, reading, painting, and taking evening walks. Life had become a cycle of work and obligations, leaving little room for personal fulfillment.
Negative Self-Talk
Amina often criticised herself harshly, setting unrealistic expectations and feeling like a failure when she couldn’t meet them. Her internal dialogue was often filled with self-doubt and guilt.
How to improve it
Taking Charge of Her Emotional Health
Realising she needed to make a change, Amina decided to take intentional steps to improve her emotional well-being:
Expressing Her Feelings
Amina began journaling daily, allowing herself to process her thoughts and emotions without judgment. She also started having honest conversations with trusted friends about her struggles, learning that sharing her feelings helped lighten the burden.
Setting Boundaries
She learnt to say no to excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations. She started prioritising herself without feeling guilty, ensuring that she had time to recharge and take care of her needs.
Seeking Professional Help
Recognising that emotional well-being requires guidance, Amina sought therapy. She found comfort in discussing her feelings with a professional who helped her navigate her stressors and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Engaging in Self-Care
Amina reintroduced hobbies into her routine. Whether it was reading before bed, taking weekend strolls, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, she made space for moments of joy and relaxation.
Practising Positive Self-Talk
She began replacing negative self-criticism with self-compassion. Instead of focusing on what she hadn’t accomplished, she celebrated her small victories and reminded herself that she was doing her best.
Prioritising Physical Health
Recognising the strong link between emotional and physical health, Amina started exercising regularly and maintaining a nutritious diet. Physical activities helped her release pent-up stress and improve her mood.
The Outcome
With time, Amina felt lighter and more in control of her emotions. She no longer dismissed her feelings as insignificant. Instead, she embraced self-awareness, allowing herself to experience emotions fully while developing healthier coping mechanisms. Her relationships improved, her stress levels decreased, and she found herself genuinely enjoying life again.
Things to Know About Emotional Health
Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Suppressing emotions can lead to stress-related illnesses, anxiety, and burnout. Prioritising emotional well-being doesn’t mean avoiding responsibilities; it means creating balance, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed.
Additional Tips for Emotional Well-Being:
• Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment helps reduce anxiety and improve emotional stability.
• Stay socially connected: Maintaining strong relationships provides emotional support and reduces feelings of loneliness.
• Engage in relaxation techniques: Activities such as meditation, deep breathing can help regulate emotions.
• Seek help when needed: There’s no shame in talking to a therapist or counsellor. Professional support can be invaluable in managing emotional health.
• Celebrate progress: Even small steps toward emotional well-being are worth acknowledging and appreciating.
Like Amina, we must recognise that taking care of our emotions is not a luxury but a necessity. Small, mindful changes can greatly improve our overall well-being. Your emotional health matters, and nurturing it is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
