Investing in Yourself Emotionally

Emotions are the responses you make to situations, whether that response is an accurate interpretation of events around you or not. Everyone has them but the way we display them is unique in each person. Investing in yourself emotionally is probably one of the most important things you can do. Some of us are emotionally stronger than others. We all know THAT kind of person, the one you rarely, if ever, see cry, the one who is resilient no matter the situation or circumstance and whose poker face would never give an emotion away.  These people have achieved emotional maturity.

For those of us who aren’t quite as strong, you know, wear your emotions on your sleeve, crying during Hallmark Commercials, trying to keep it together when speaking to a superior at work during a bad performance review and panicking at the mere thought of something going wrong – investing in ourselves emotionally takes a lot of work.

Part of being emotionally strong is getting lots of rest. Being up all night with a baby, or going a few nights without sleep will inevitably end in tears and or misguided anger and frustration. For example, coming home after a long week at work, and going on a cleaning binge by pitching and purging and yelling at everyone in the way.

I’d venture to guess that having an explosion like that makes you mentally and physically exhausted and only adds to your emotional instability. But have no fear - there are a number of things that can be done to help you in your journey.

Uninterrupted sleep:  Studies show that adults require as little as seven and as many as 10 hours of sleep per night. Investing in things that make your bed and bedroom environment comfortable like lighting, bedding and music will help you create your own oasis. Going to bed at the same time, not eating too late and doing some deep relaxation exercises and meditation are also some suggestions to help you achieve that great night of shut eye.

Recharging your batteries; is a must on the road to emotional stability. Have you ever called your employer and said you are taking a mental health day off? Try it - and then invest one whole day in you.

·         Pamper yourself (whatever that looks like for you)
·         Turn off the phone and avoid the computer
·         Stay in bed and get caught up on your sleep
·         Take a leisurely bath
·         Go to a museum or sports event

Do something by yourself… and for just one day, make it all about you.

Total body conditioning; including exercise, eating healthy and keeping your immune system strong all contribute to your state of mind. Yoga helps focus your mind, clear your thoughts and centre your psyche. Investing in a full out cardio workout class is also a great place to start. Moderate exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which causes what is commonly known as a "natural high.”

Life isn’t perfect and neither is the world we live in, but sometimes making a point of thinking about all of the positive things around you is enough to push the negative thoughts away.  Read a positive quote, take a step back before responding to something, take a deep breath and smile. Having the discipline and determination to do so and to make the choice to be around positive people will add to your self-confidence, courage and self-esteem, and make you finally realize that your emotional well-being is well worth investing in.