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This month we bring awareness to emotional wellness and how we manage our mental health. According to the National Institutes of Health, emotional wellness is successfully handling life’s stresses and adapting to change and difficult times. Introducing strategies to your daily life routines can significantly improve your emotional health. Here are some attainable practices you can easily implement into your routine to begin seeing positive results in your emotional health.

• Get Active: Go for a walk, spend time outdoors, or take up a new physical activity. You can also explore a new hobby, like playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, or learning something new in a class.
• Build a Resilient Mindset: Remember to take time out of your day to acknowledge the good moments. View challenging moments in your life as opportunities for growth. Practice gratitude and be thankful. Continuously think about how you guide your life based on the principles important to you. 
• Reduce Your Stress: Remember to prioritize getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Stay connected with people who can offer emotional support and build a strong social network. Decide what tasks are essential and what can wait, and don't be afraid to say no to new tasks if you feel overwhelmed. At the end of each day, acknowledge your accomplishments rather than dwelling on what you didn't achieve.
• Get Better Quality Sleep: Most adults need more than seven hours of sleep each night. It is important to sleep in a dark environment and limit the use of electronics before bedtime. Exercise and aim to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight daily. Relax before bedtime and avoid consuming alcohol, stimulants, or a large meal before going to sleep. Consider taking a warm bath or reading to help you relax before bedtime.
• Build A Healthy Support System: Build strong relationships with your family and friends. Consider joining a group focused on your favorite hobby or becoming a volunteer in your community for causes you care about. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Travel to different places to meet new people.
• Cope With Loss: When someone you love passes away, your entire world can change. It's important to take care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Talking to supportive friends and joining a support group can help you through the grieving process. Be patient with yourself during this time.
• Be More Mindful: Engage in mindful breathing exercises by inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, pausing for one second, and then exhaling through your mouth for a count of five. Take a leisurely walk, soaking in the beauty around you while jotting down your thoughts and concerns, and then gently bring your focus back to the present moment. When eating, pay attention to the flavors and textures of each bite, and be attuned to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Lastly, practice a thorough mental body scan, deliberately noting how each part of your body feels from head to toe.

USFHP offers care coaching with highly-qualified healthcare professionals to help you understand and manage your specific health needs in collaboration with your providers. We’ve got you covered, from physical to emotional care, as our members’ overall health is our priority. 

Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for more information or assistance scheduling a one-on-one appointment.