You can also write a gratitude list in your journal or make a gratitude jar to put slips of paper with things you're grateful for on them into it every day.
Here’s what emotionally balanced people don’t do:
1. They don’t just react (they respond). – A reaction is a hot, in-the-moment burst of
emotion that's usually driven by our ego (so we're more likely to react when
we're disconnected from ourselves). It might last just a split second
before our intuition kicks in and offers some perspective, or it might take
over to a point that we act on it. When we feel crappy after dealing with
a situation or person, that's a sign we've reacted rather than responded.
Responding will leave you feeling like you handled things with integrity and
respect.
2. They don’t ignore the reality of their emotions. – When we're in the here and now, it's much
easier to cope with emotions and see them as just that: emotions. If we
get caught up obsessing over the future or past, emotions and situations can
take on new (and untrue) meanings as they become attached to stories. For
example, imagine you're turned down for a job. Naturally you're
disappointed. If you're not present with that emotion and experience it
in the moment the mind delves back into your past for all the other times
you've felt that way. Now you feel like a failure and start to carry a
feeling of unworthiness into every other interview. When we stay present,
we're empowered to start fresh every moment and we can see every situation with
perspective.
3. They don’t neglect their authentic selves. – Make a big list of all the things that make
you feel great, and do at least one thing on it every day. Big or small,
it doesn't matter! Doing something that makes us feel amazing is an act
of self-love – it's that simple! This small effort reduces stress levels
and makes us feel capable and confident. Rather than waiting for other
people or circumstances to make us feel good, practicing self-love is all about
empowering ourselves to feel how we want to feel, all the time.
4. They don’t resist movement. – When we're feeling down, stressed or
anxious, one of the best ways to get out of our head and reconnected with
ourselves is movement – especially free movement. It's very rare we move
our bodies in a way that is totally free! Put on some music and give it a
go whenever you feel like you're in a bit of a funk. It will feel weird
at first so make a feel-good playlist of songs that you just can't help but
boogie to. Make movement (of any kind) part of your daily ritual of
looking after your emotional well-being.
5. They don't treat gratitude as a bonus (they make it a requirement). – Practicing gratitude is super supportive for
our emotional wellness because it shifts our focus to the good in our lives,
and trains us to look for the positives in every situation. It gives us
appreciation for all that we have instead of getting caught up with what's
lacking. To cultivate gratitude, try sharing three things you're grateful
for each day with your partner, family or housemates during dinner or before
bed. You can also write a gratitude list in your journal or make a
gratitude jar to put slips of paper with things you're grateful for on them
into it every day.
