I think it is not so much about what we have done, it is more about the continuity of engaging in creative and mentally-stimulating activities and having a growth mindset. In some ways being a perpetual student, whether that is in an academic sense, through cultural / community involvement or by learning a new hobby.
There are benefits to trying new things which include overcoming fear, getting to know ourselves better, and having our creativity stimulated.
As @Scoo would likely be well aware of, there are plenty of things that we can do once we no longer work full time which have a wide range of the components that form intellectual wellness. These include Probus clubs, U3A, playing bridge, doing some travel and more. Even when I was not on the cusp of being in the seniors age group, I found it very interesting to see what was on offer in the "Seniors Week" event book and as a result found some lovely places we were able to visit.
One thing Mr Darcy & I have done when we visit family and friends, or when they come to vist us is to seek out free or low cost activities and go to and enjoy these together rather than just sitting at home chatting. For example a walk in nature (perhaps with a BYO picnic) to see something like a waterfall, rock formation, flora or fauna (or in Mr Shaz's case to photograph them) is not only pleasurable but contributes holistically to our overall well being including the dimensions we have discussed of environmental, physical, financial and intellectual wellness.
@Former-Member
Love your last post.
Keeping steady with calm and openness to new things, can take inner work and time. A lot will depend on the trauma load of the particular person during thier path, and where they are at in the stages of life. What people have achieved can be important, though, eg., While it is silly for young folk to try and teach grandmas how to suck eggs, it is also important for old folk to recognise the skills of the young. A lot depends on the particular people and the particular circumstances.
Great to hear your input @Jay-e @Scoo @Sophie1 @Shaz51
I struggle with a continual headache. Feels like my brain is bursting, and at times new things do not take, especially people's names. SO I try and be careful not to take on too much. I think I am in a contracting "season" atm, doing more on my own and celebrating my natural introversion, rather than expanding and going against my natural inclination. Ha ha Trying to work out what my natural inclination even is ...
Thank you, I am really enjoying everyones input @Appleblossom @Shaz51 @Scoo @Jay-e @Sophie1 @FindingStrength
Emotional Wellness refers to an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of your emotions, and your ability to manage effectively through challenges and change.
I think that emotional health is probably the dimension of wellness that we tend to perhaps use as the litmus test as to how well we are doing in all areas of our lives.
Talking about emotions can be emotional for some. It is important to access support for ourselves should we need this and it is available from the SANE Help Centre with their phone or chat lines, links to these can be accessed here .
How do we know if we are emotionally well – these are some of the things that the experts say:
Emotionally well people feel and show gratitude for the people in their lives.
Emotionally well people like themselves.
Emotionally well people are adaptable and flexible.
Emotionally well people have a life purpose.
Emotionally well people are in touch with their emotions.
Emotionally well people can manage their own stress.
Emotionally well people value experiences more than possessions.
Being emotionally intelligent helps us to be emotionally well. It's our emotional intelligence that gives us the ability to read our instinctive feelings and those of others. It also allows us to understand and label emotions as well as express and regulate them.
Being emotionally well helps
- Protect our self esteem
- Take control after failure
- Distract ourselves from brooding thoughts
- Find meaning after a loss
- Recover self-worth after rejection.
Suggested ways we can improve our emotional health are interlinked with the other dimensions. These include:
- Be aware of your emotions and reactions.Notice what in your life makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Try to address or change those things.
- Express your feelings in appropriate ways. Let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness or anger inside adds to stress. It can cause problems in your relationships and at work or school.
- Learn more to lessen the fear of the unknown "Knowledge is power," If you have a problem, learn whatever you can about the issue or the health condition you're facing. The more you know, the less you will fear what might happen.
- Think before you act. Emotions can be powerful. Give yourself time to think, and be calm before you say or do something you might regret.
- Manage stress.Try to change situations causing you stress. Learn relaxation methods to cope with stress. These could include deep breathing, meditation, and exercise.
- Strive for balance. Find a healthy balance between work and play and between activity and rest. Make time for things you enjoy. Focus on positive things in your life.
- Take care of your physical health. Your physical health can affect your emotional health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, and get enough sleep. Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Connect with others. We are social creatures. We need positive connections with other people. Make a lunch date, join a group, and say hi to strangers.
- Find purpose and meaning. Figure out what it is important to you in life, and focus on that. This could be your work, your family, volunteering, caregiving, or something else. Spend your time doing what feels meaningful to you.
- Stay positive.Focus on the good things in your life. Forgive yourself for making mistakes, and forgive others. Spend time with healthy, positive people.
I think it is fair to say that for most of us, our own emotional health has in some ways been compromised at some point and it is important to acknowledge that caring is or has been at times emotionally draining. I know for myself I was always stoic and found it hard to acknowledge and sit with feelings of grief, loneliness and helplessness. With the help of a counsellor, I was able to do this and it was one of a number of things that helped me along the way.
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201910/what-is-emotional-wellness
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/emotional-wellness_b_3722625
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/emotional-wellness-tips_b_3809750
https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-keeping-your-emotional-health/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/10-ways-to-boost-emotional-health.aspx
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.