Overview: In this dimension, we learn how to develop skills and strategies to navigate our emotions. When we are emotionally well, our internal experiences align with our external experiences. Balanced emotional wellness comes from identifying your emotions and what they are expressing to you and accepting them in a non-judgmental way. When mindful of our emotional needs, we attend to them in the present moment, just as they are. When we accept that emotions are simply there to help us understand our needs and the needs of those around us, we can use them effectively. This allows us to build trusting and respectful relationships. It can increase our sense of satisfaction by promoting an optimistic rather than pessimistic outlook on life.

What it means to engage in your emotional wellness according to the National Wellness Institute:

Using skills/strategies to recognize, appreciate, and navigate our emotions
Accepting and expressing our feelings in a non-judgemental way
Recognizing how our emotional wellness impacts others, allowing us to build trust and respect others⁴

"Emotional wellness follows these tenets:
• It is better to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.
• It is better to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic."¹

When your emotional wellness is balanced, you may experience:

- an increase in self-esteem
- a reduction in stress
- more meaningful and sustainable connections with others
- a reduction in unwanted mental health symptoms
- an increase in energy and other physical wellness benefits

Common misunderstandings associated with emotional wellness:

Myth: Emotions are "good" or "bad." Ex) Happiness is good, Anger is bad.

Truth: All emotions are valid and play an important role in our lives. Emotions provide us with cues on how to interact with the world around us.

Myth: In order to be well, we must not experience distressing feelings.

Truth: Distressing feelings such as anxiety, anger, sadness, guilt, and disgust cue us into the experience. Anger, for example, is a result of injustice against us. This is a positive emotion to experience based on the circumstances. How we navigate and use emotion is key.

Myth: If we avoid, distract away from, or do not focus on our uncomfortable feelings, they will go away.

Truth: What you resist will persist! Although short-term distraction may be needed to make space for you to navigate your emotions in a helpful way, complete avoidance will only reinforce the feeling..

How can I attend to my emotional wellness?

- Allow time for mindfulness activities that promote reflecting on your current thoughts and feelings.
  - Self-Regulation Techniques
  - Grounding Exercises
- After taking time alone to think about your needs, share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust.
  - If you do not currently have someone to reach out to, journal your thoughts and feelings. Then, connect with a Campus Resource listed below to build your support network.
- Listen to what your body and mind are telling you. One way to do this is through the HALT question exercise.
  - H ; Hungry? Eating can provide your mind with the nutrition it needs to tackle emotionally taxing issues.
  - A ; Anxious, Angry, Annoyed? Try a self-soothing skill such as a fun activity, yoga, or listening to music to reduce your distress.
  - L ; Lonely? Call a friend, family member, or campus partner for support.
  - T ; Thirsty or Tired? Make sure you are hydrating each day. Listen to your body and rest when needed!
- Learn more about self-compassion. Would you treat a friend or loved one the way you treat yourself right now? Remind yourself you are a person that deserves to be well.

At Florida Southern College, we offer numerous Campus Resources to balance your emotional wellness:

- Direct: Counseling Center, Campus Ministries, Clubs, and More
- Indirect: Simmons Multicultural Center, Scholars Experience, Student Involvement, Greek Life, Student Accountability, Campus Safety and Security, Student Disability Services, Hollis Wellness Center, Office of Career Services.

References:
¹ National Wellness Institute (Accessed 2023). Developing Strong People. https://nationalwellness.org https://nationalwellness.org/resources/