All of us, have likely experienced some sort of emotional distress in our lives. We often experience emotional distress when our life takes an unexpected alternative route than the one, we had mapped out. Life experiences such as receiving a bad mark on an exam, breaking off a relationship, missing out on an epic experience or even feeling uncertain about the future can cause us to feel uncomfortable and mentally distressed. The important part, however, is to remember that what you’re feeling, or what you’ve felt in the past, is absolutely normal and justified.
After dealing with various types of ‘emotional discomfort’s in my life, I came to the realization that if I really wanted to be ‘emotionally well,’ I needed to pivot my focus from the problem that was causing me the discomfort to my efforts on how I was going to become emotionally well. Here are some tips on how you can start your journey to building your own inner peace.
First and foremost, the beginning of your emotional wellness journey must begin with you acknowledging your emotions.
1. Understand your emotional needs
First and foremost, the beginning of your emotional wellness journey must begin with you acknowledging your emotions. Whatever emotion you’re feeling – fear, anger, sadness, joy, anxiety - all of them, must be embraced and not suppressed so that you can learn to manage and cope with them.
2. Fight for your own happiness comes with one simple mantra – make self-care a priority!
Practice healthy habits that will benefit you the most by prioritizing eating well, getting a good night sleep, and moving your body. The love and care you give yourself will have amazing positive impact on your emotional wellbeing.
Practice healthy habits that will benefit you the most by prioritizing eating well, getting a good night’s sleep and moving your body.
3. Maintain a healthy routine
Stress can often disrupt our daily routine, which in turn can cause us more stress. During uncertain time, keep up with your daily routine such as showering, eating, connecting with family and friends in order to keep function and stability in your life. Sometimes, when things feel uncertain, there is an odd comfort that comes from routine as it is familiar to you.
4. Change your perception
Big and small life events can rapidly alter our perception of reality from positive to negative. Reminding yourself that your current crisis is not permanent, and the crisis will pass can help you gain a better perspective and mental strength to alter your situation. Check out the library ‘Mindset Matters’ module to learn more on how taking simple steps can help you change your internal narrative.
Sometimes, when things feel uncertain, there is an unexpected comfort that comes from routine, since it is so familiar to you.
5. Have gratitude for what you have in life
While your current situation may feel overwhelming, remind yourself about the good things in your life and what’s important to you. It can be absolutely anything at all: health, family, friend, being able to experience adventures or even your spirituality. Remind yourself about the good in your life.
Try a gratitude activity once a day where you name just one thing that you’re grateful for by filling out the following statement:
I’m grateful for __________ because _______.
Reminding yourself that your current crisis is not permanent, and the crisis will pass can help you gain a better perspective and mental strength to alter your situation.
6. Practice mindfulness
During stressful times our brains are in a state of chaos. In order to bring some calm to the storm that maybe ensuing inside of you, try meditation. Even 5 minutes of meditations has shown to have amazing results on your emotional wellbeing.
7. Reach out for help
Finally, if the tips above are not enough and you need some extra assistance to help you live your best life then remember, as a Sheridan community member your have access to counsellors for free.
During stressful times our brains are in a state of chaos. Even 5 minutes of meditations has shown to have amazing results on your emotional wellbeing.
To make an appointment with Sheridan Counselling Services:
Email: askanadvisor@sheridancollege.ca or
Phone: Please leave a voicemail and we will return your phone call within one business day
Davis Campus : (905)- 459- 7533, EXT: 5400
Hazel McCallion Campus (HMC): (905)- 459- 7533, EXT: 2528
Trafalgar Road Campus: (905)- 845- 9430, EXT: 2557
You can also access free and confidential counselling services by phone through Empower Me or Keep Me Safe for International students, with service available in over 35 languages.
We All Grow at Different Rates and That’s Okay!
We recently hosted an online event to talk about emotional wellness.
Click below to download the PowerPoint used. You’ll find emotional wellness activities and more ways you can support your growth!
This was written in collaboration with your Sheridan Student Union and Sheridan Wellness and Counselling Services.
Have you read our other blogs on how to support your wellness?
We've created a free bucket list for you to download! Check it out here where you'll find tips and activities that you can mark off as you work on the different categories of wellness. Here's what we've included in your bucket list:
Financial Wellness
Environmental Wellness
Social Wellness
Occupational Wellness
Physical Wellness
Intellectual Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Spiritual Wellness
MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR WELLNESS
Running for a position on the SSU Board of Directors is a great way to get involved at Sheridan, enhance the well-being of your peers, and shape the #SheridanLife. Whether you’ve submitted a nominations package, or you’re deciding whether you’d like to, we wanted to put together a list of helpful tricks to support you through the process, and prioritize your overall wellness.