Tips For Improving Your Emotional Health

We wake up, go to work, attend school, or mind the kids, get to the gym, fulfill social obligations we don't necessarily want to attend, deal with very stressful situations from time to time...after a while, our lifestyles can contribute to the degeneration of our immune systems.  Ill health, depression and a loss of self esteem can manifest from the pressures we place upon ourselves on a daily basis.  So, how do we achieve good emotional health?  Sure, you can go pay a shrink $400 an hour -  that might or might not make you feel better and that's vacation money for you or another boat for the shrink. There are free and easy steps  we can all take to achieve the same results.  Here are a few:

Learn to say NO. Very often, we say 'yes' to many obligations when we really mean 'no'.  All that 'it's ok' that you leave on the way up the stairs is all the frustration and resentment you will eventually have to pick up and deal with on the way down the stairs.  If you don't feel comfortable saying the word 'NO', then try this phrase:  "thank you, but that just doesn't work for me".  PERIOD.  That's all you need to say.  If people don't like it, that's just too bad.  Let' them get used to the fact that you have an opinion and that you count first!
Keep Your Real Friends and Eliminate False Relationships.  It is far better to have one true friend than 10 'fair weather' friends.  Your true friend(s) are the people who are always there for you, no matter how old you are, where you live or what the circumstance is.  Your real friends will tell you when you're wrong and help you straighten up your messes.  They will also be there for you when 'stuff' happens in life and help you emotionally deal with all life's challenges.  So, get rid of the 'dead beats' and simplify your relationships.
READ!   So often, I hear of people who have illnesses or situations in life; if they would just educate themselves as much as they can about the condition or situation, they could take control of their emotional and physical well being, as well as their socio-economic condition.  In this age of free information online and computer access at your local library, ignorance is no excuse.
Exercise.  Regular exercise releases natural endorphins in the body which help reduce stress and agitation.  Your body will feel better because of the increased blood and oxygen circulation.  You will look better and feel better; this in turn will lead to a much higher self esteem and a sense of empowerment.
Have More Sex.  When you're hungry, you eat.  When you're thirsty, you drink.  When you're tired, you sleep.  When your hormones need stimulation, you should have some sex.  Regular sexual intercourse not only is good for one's hormones, it reduces stress and also gives a person a better sense of self.
Find a Hobby and Stick to It.  Whether it's needlepoint or hang gliding, find and develop a hobby that makes you happy.  Embrace the activity.  The more you participate in your favorite past time, the better you will become.  This leads to an emotional 'high' and a better sense of self esteem.
Engage in a Healthy Nutritional Plan.  Eat, drink, and be merry, but do all of it in moderation.  You don't have to drink the whole bottle of wine, you can have one or two glasses and still enjoy the beverage.  You don't have to eat everything on the plate.  You can eat half and take a 'doggie bag' home; enjoying another wonderful meal from your dinner out is cheaper and very satisfying - especially on those days when you don't have time to cook!  You will feel better physically and sleep better when you engage in a proper nutritional plan.
Practice Yoga, Tai Chi or Meditation.  Life is a balance of Yang and Yin.  The gym and every other activity we engage in are mostly Yang energy driven.  Reign in the energy and balance your life by engaging in a Yin and rejuvenating activity such as yoga, tai chi or simple meditation time.  You will find peace of mind, calm, serenity and will be better able to deal with any stressful situation that comes your way.
Make a "TO DO" List.  Greatness and achievement on any level does not come by luck or haphazard activity...it comes from a plan.  Every week, make a list of tasks, events and things you'd like to do.  Prioritize the list and modify it as the week progresses.  As you complete a task or event, check it off your list.  The feeling of accomplishment will help with your self esteem and motivate you to keep up with list making...it really does help with focus.
Sleep!  Sleep is just so necessary for the circulation, the nervous system, weight loss and overall homeostasis.  Sleep deprivation is one method of torture used on prisoners worldwide....now, why would you want to inflict self-imposed torture upon yourself????

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: practice and engage in all of the above as best you can.  You will be surprised what a difference a few easy and free steps can make for your overall emotional state of mind and your self esteem!