Well-being is the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes having good mental health, high life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning or purpose. More generally, well-being is just feeling well. – Psychology Today

Well-being emerges from our thoughts, actions, and experiences — most of which we have control over. When we think positive, we have a greater sense of positive emotional well-being. Consistency is the key to making the biggest impact from your changes, I have found these the most helpful things to remember to focus on to keep me consistent in maintaining a healthy emotional-well-being.

1. Sleep. Get enough sleep on a daily basis—a tired mind and body are poor allies in stressful situations.
2. Sustenance. Eat well, exercise daily, and learn some stretching techniques to help you relax. Avoid relying on false stress reducers like alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine.
3. Solitude. All of us need some time alone. Use that time to refill your emotional reserves, give your mind a chance to quiet down, and rest. The more you learn (through meditation, relaxation, restful activity, and recreation) to quiet your mind of all the chatter, the more effective your solitude will be.
4. Sharing. Share your thoughts, emotions, hopes, fears, and your life with someone else. Find people you trust enough to share your failures with as well as your victories.
5. Silliness. Don’t take yourself so seriously. At least once a week, do something fun that involves “play.” Nothing relieves stress and tension better than a good laugh. Try to laugh a dozen times a day.
6. Spirituality. Spirituality doesn’t necessarily mean religion. If a particular religion or spiritual practice speaks you, put it into action in your life. If getting out in nature is a spiritual experience for you, go regularly. A strong sense of spirituality can give you some perspective on your life and provide you with guidance and direction, which will help bring happiness to your day.
7.  Schedule. Make time management a part of your life. Schedule time for all of the other “S’s.” The less time and energy you have to devote to trying to find the time, the more likely you can do things like exercise, play, or enjoy some solitude.

Do you do any of these things on our list or anything else to maintain or improve your emotional well-being?

This resource was brought to you today by the University of Notre Dame