A Therapist's Everyday Guide to Wellness

When I think about emotional wellness, I think about my ability to regulate my emotions, manage my thoughts, and feel equipped to handle life's day to day challenges. Here are six research-based practices (that I also personally use) that can support you in maintaining your overall sense of wellness.

Daily Movement

Movement is essential to wellness. Incorporating more movement into your everyday life will do wonders for your emotional health. This can be walking, running, cycling, stretching, yoga, dancing, or any other activity that gets your body and breath moving.

Regular Meals, Water & Sleep

These may seem basic, but they are easy to overlook when life becomes busy. Your body and mind cannot manage stressors and maintain wellness if you are lacking sleep (and other forms of rest), regular and balanced meals, and daily hydration.

Disconnect to Reconnect

While we live in an ultra-connected world, loneliness is the most prevalent it has been in decades. Our devices are great for communication, but not so much for connection. In order to truly experience connection, we must consciously disconnect from our devices and reconnect with ourselves and others in person. This can be as simple (but intentional) as establishing "no phone time" during meals. 

Don't Believe Everything You Think

We experience thousands of thoughts per day, and most of them are untrue! But our brains do not know the difference between imagination and reality - which is why thoughts are so powerful. Before you act, practice observing and interrogating your thoughts, instead of immediately assuming they are all true.

Seek & Embrace Community

Humans are inherently social creatures. We have a biological need for connection and belonging. We cannot be well in isolation. Deliberately participating in community (of any kind - whether friends, family, religious, spiritual, or even group activities) has a significant, positive impact on overall wellness.

Develop a Gratitude Practice

Many of us spend our lives pursuing "happiness" but happiness is an emotion - fleeting like all other emotions. The practice of gratitude, which is intentionally focusing on small, tangible things that one can be grateful for daily, has been shown to improve overall mood and life satisfaction. 

If these resonate with you and you're interested in gaining personalised support or recommendations, give us a call at (876) 281-8601 or email info@centredja.com to schedule an appointment.