Emotional Wellness.

Have you ever participated in a game of charades? In this game, words are written on paper, and one person acts out the word while their team tries to guess. On New Year's Eve, my family and I decided to play, and I randomly drew "shock." During the game, I noticed that certain emotions share similar expressions. It was difficult for my team to guess that what I drew was "shock" even with my perfect acting.

Emotions are our natural reactions to experiences, impacted by our surroundings or internal changes. Humans are innately emotional and I share that trait. According to my friends, I am quite emotional, as I can be moved to tears by a poignant movie or a touching love story. I believe in allowing myself to genuinely experience and feel the emotions evoked by such moments.

I used to visibly express my emotions through facial expressions, making it evident for others to discern my feelings. However, I disliked the constant inquiries with the "Are you okay?" question. This prompted me to consciously work on controlling my facial expressions. Although I haven't completely mastered it, I can now manage to smile and respond with "I am fine" even when I am breaking into a thousand pieces within.

When I am happy, it radiates through my mood without the need for a smile. I'm naturally cheerful. I sing while doing daily chores, gladly lend an ear to others, and spread positivity throughout the day. My conversations are upbeat, tasks get completed, and on occasion, I host giveaways simply because joy fills my heart.

My emotions can undergo sudden shifts; a day that begins with happiness may conclude with sadness or anger, and vice versa. Whether I start the day in a positive or negative state, the outcome is influenced by the situations and people in my surroundings.

During times when I'm not okay and devoid of positive emotions, motivation eludes me, hindering even simple tasks like daily chores. The usual songspiration is absent, chats become dull, and I transform into a rather grumpy disposition. Patience dwindles, and interest fades in activities that would typically engage me. Napping becomes a prevalent pastime, and early nights are a common occurrence when lacking distractions.

Despite the inclination to immerse myself in negative emotions and perceive the world as adversarial, I've come to understand that my feelings shouldn't dictate my productivity. It took a considerable amount of time, but I've mastered coping mechanisms that enable me to break free from negative emotions whenever they arise.

Effective coping mechanism

Music
My first coping mechanism is music, which I find therapeutic. I listen with a deep understanding, paying attention to the lyrics to grasp the emotional message. When feeling down, I turn to music, and it has a remarkable ability to lift my spirits. Christian songs, blues, and country music are my go-to choices for improving my mood.

Say it out
Expressing one's feelings through spoken words can be a powerful way to unburden the heart. Sharing with a trusted confidant provides a sense of relief, and the act of talking about challenges often feels like lifting a weight. Having close, trustworthy individuals to confide in has proven invaluable over the years, fostering a safe and supportive space for open communication.

Food
While I am not a dedicated foodie, I find solace in eating when nervous, using it as a relaxation technique. I've come across information suggesting that specific foods can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, I don't have a particular preference; anything that goes into my mouth and keeps me occupied serves its purpose, whether it's a plate of cereal or another snack.

Sleep
Finding solace in sleep proves to be an effective coping mechanism when I'm feeling unwell without a clear explanation. Seeking a quiet place, laying my head down, closing my eyes, and allowing myself to sleep often results in waking up in an improved and optimal state.

Engaging in movies and taking walks are additional strategies I employ to uplift my mood. A good movie, especially in the genres of comedy or romance, has the power to divert my thoughts and lift my spirits. In moments of anger, when the risk of regrettable actions or words arises, I find solace in stepping away, taking a walk to clear my head, calm my nerves, and regain control over my breath.

Emotions are pivotal in human life and relationships. It's crucial to avoid letting them have a negative impact. Optimal health often comes from letting positive emotions govern our well-being.

All images are mine