Happy holiday season, friends! This month we're exploring emotional wellness. Feelings are our friends! They are messengers that signal which of our needs aren't being met. |
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The holidays can conjure up a lot of strong emotions, both positive and negative. Feelings make us human, and emotional wellness has a profound affect on our lives. Emotional wellness is the ability to handle life's stresses and adapt to change or challenges. The NIH suggests improving emotional wellness through resilience, reducing stress, quality sleep, coping, strong relationships, and mindfulness. In all of these categories, the common threads for emotional health are to be optimistic, have positive self-talk, forgive yourself, and ask for help. |
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In the words of Alexis Rose, "I love that journey for me." Therapy has been a beneficial part in my wellness journey, and I truly believe it is something everyone can benefit from. Therapy helped me in times I've felt really low, and currently it's helping me become more apt in expressing my emotions. When addressing your emotional wellness, consider reaching out to a therapist. I found one on Better Help who I can meet with as often as I'd like virtually. High fives for therapy! |
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Expressing emotions is a skill set that takes time to develop. Here are some steps to help you practice: 1. Recognize your physical sensations caused by the emotion 2. Ask yourself what specific emotion you are feeling 3. Tell yourself it is ok to feel what you're feeling: it's normal! |
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4. Rate your emotion on a scale of 1 to 10 5. Find a label that determines the intensity of your emotion (i.e. angry vs. irate) 6. Communicate how you are feeling clearly so that your needs can be met Source: Psychology Today |
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Food can provide an outlet for creativity and expression. One of my favorite ways to be creative with food is through a cheese board. Combine seasonal fruit, cheese, salami, veggies, jams, candy canes, Christmas cookies--anything goes! Arrange it in the shape of a wreath or a Christmas tree, and garnish with greenery or cranberries. This allows for a beautiful way to add some nourishing and nutritious foods into your holiday feasting. Want more suggestions? Try these recipes for candied orange peels or cinnamon apples! Happy cooking! |
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Whatever holiday you're celebrating this season, I hope your year can end on a happy note. You're wonderful and be kind to yourself--you're worth it. Your friend, Coach Haley |
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