How to Take Charge of Your Emotional Health
Make the choice to be happy and explore your options for getting there -- no one can fix you but you.
Up next in Self-Help & Improvement (51 videos)
Learn 50 ways to improve yourself with the tips in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- Emotional inventory
- Emotional "time-outs"
- Environmental control
- Lighter schedule
- Self-control
- Compromise
- Healthy eating habits (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Take inventory
Take an emotional inventory and examine your personal habits, attitudes, and excuses for your behavior. Most people are their own worst enemies.
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Step 2
Know your limits
Know your limits and evaluate the responsibilities and pressures that threaten them. Pace yourself and give yourself emotional "time-outs."
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Eating habits are a part of emotional health. Respect yourself and avoid sweets and binge-eating.
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Step 3
Identify sources
Identify the sources of your stress. Limit contact with people who instigate conflict or negativity, and end unhealthy relationships.
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Step 4
Control environment
Control your environment to control your peace of mind. Avoid incendiary media, such as politically and emotionally charged television and radio programs.
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Avoid the stresses of traffic and take the scenic route.
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Step 5
Sidestep topics
Sidestep conversations that involve hot-button subjects to avoid arguments.
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Elevated stress hormones can harm the body and long-term stress compromises the immune system.
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Step 6
Cut back
Lighten your schedule and manage your time effectively. If there's too much on your plate, prioritize and make sure you give yourself a rest.
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Step 7
Relax and be positive
Control the urge to control people or events. Relax, focus on the positive, and breathe. If things don't go your way, remember it's not the end of the world.
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Step 8
Express feelings
Compromise more, and express your feelings instead of repressing them. Soon you'll be back in charge of your own happiness.
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People's facial expressions show happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust the same way around the world.
