He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.
Arabian proverb
We’re living in the age of short-form, bite-size, viral information. So, it’s no wonder we get easily caught up in the latest, greatest health advice.
But, just because a tip is trending, is it actually helpful? Not necessarily.
Fortunately, there are some tried and true emotional wellness habits that have piles of evidence to back them up. And that’s where we suggest you focus your energy.
Today we’re sharing 5 emotional wellness habits to set you up for success:
1. Mindfulness
You don’t have to adopt a daily meditation practice (although that can be a great option) to reap the benefits of mindfulness in your life. Even simple mindfulness techniques can help you ground yourself in the present moment, manage stress more effectively, reduce anxiety, and increase your self-awareness.
Emotional wellness habits in action:
- Calm the Chaos with Mindfulness
- Modern Mindfulness: 8 Ways to Find Calm in the Chaos
- 25 Mindfulness Ideas to Try This Year
2. Gratitude
It’s not just something to consider this time of year. Cultivating an ongoing habit of gratitude– whether that’s daily journaling or simply pausing to reflect on the positive aspects of your life— can shift your perspective, build resilience in the face of challenges, and promote a generally more open and flexible mindset.
Emotional wellness habits in action:
- Your Complete Gratitude Guide
- How To Practice Gratitude When You’re Not Feeling Grateful
- 10 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude
3. Movement
It’s no secret that engaging in regular physical activity is known to boost mood and reduce stress. But, the most important factor in building this essential habit? Finding forms of movement you actually enjoy. Finding activities that feel good and are easy to return to, again and again, will make exercise a sustainable and pleasurable part of your routine.
Emotional wellness habits in action:
- 5 (Free) Physical Activity Resources for At-Home Movement
- In Our Nature: 3 Ways to Revisit this Emotional Wellness Resource
- 5 Black-Owned Wellness Businesses to Support
4. Sleep
It may not be the most exciting health habit on this list, but the research on sleep is clear: Getting sufficient and good-quality rest is essential for emotional well-being. It supports emotion regulation, helps in managing stress, and contributes to an overall positive mood and mental state.
Emotional wellness habits in action:
- 5 Sleep Myths That Are Robbing You of Rest
- 5 Ways Sleep Benefits Your Emotional Wellness
- Want to Improve Your Sleep? 10 Factors to Consider
5. Boundaries
“Boundaries” is a buzzword that’s tossed around a lot these days– and for good reason. Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life can help you avoid over-commitment and resentment, prioritize your well-being, and conserve your emotional resources for the people and pursuits that matter most to you.
Emotional wellness habits in action:
- Boundaries: Understanding this Emotional Wellness Buzzword
- 10 Holiday Boundaries to Set this Season
- Holiday Eating & Boundaries
- Boundaries in Parenting
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
Mindful Goal-Setting
25 Mindfulness Ideas to Try this Year
Habit Change in 3 Easy(-ish) Steps
Want to build on these emotional wellness habits with a member of our team?