When we think about emotional health, the first thing that often comes to mind is the need to cultivate a tranquil, even-keeled mental state. We assume that being emotionally healthy refers to being a super stable, rational person. But there is another level to emotional health: spirituality. This is especially important for those in specialized fields, such as endocrinology billing services.
To be emotionally healthy spiritually means that we recognize the spiritual aspects of our whole person, which is critical to overall wellness. Read on to learn more about becoming emotionally healthy spiritually.
What is Emotional Health?
Human beings are emotional creatures. In that regard, it is a simple fact that our emotions drive many of our daily decisions and actions. Our emotional health dictates the way we process and express our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
The many ways that our psychological state can affect how we react to stressors, triggers, or challenges are profound. Ditto for how we respond to delightful, joyful events. Our emotions are very powerful and how we manage them is tied to our emotional regulation.
However, when emotional health is subpar, it can lead to unhealthy coping techniques, such as promiscuity, reckless spending, or self-medicating a negative emotion state. All these coping techniques do it temporarily numb the unpleasant symptoms caused by poor emotional health.
Signs of suboptimal emotional health may include:
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Isolating from friends and family
- Changes in eating habits
- Relationship struggles
- Racing thoughts
- Irritability
- Declining work performance
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Relationship problems
- Increased substance use
Are You Emotionally Healthy Spiritually?
The spiritual side of the human condition is intrinsic to wellness, along with the physical and mental aspects of wellbeing. It is possible to be emotionally mature, yet spiritually immature or disordered in some way.
The spiritual realm refers to a person’s unique worldview of the dimension of life that is unseen by the senses. We can’t touch, see, or hear this dimension, but we connect to a belief that it does exist.
When someone lacks spiritual wellness, it often means they are closed off from the idea of a greater power outside of ourselves. This does not have to pertain to a certain type of structured religion, but is more about a state of mind.
Mind, body and spirit form the holistic basis of being a human being, and the three are interconnected. Because spirit is an intrinsic aspect of our being, when we are out of sync spiritually we suffer in the other two realms, mind and body.
5 Signs You Are Emotionally Healthy Yet Spiritually Unhealthy
Is your spiritual side in need of a reboot? Are you emotionally healthy, spiritually unhealthy? See if you recognize some of the signs of this disconnect:
- You have no spiritual life. You operate in the here and now, perhaps because you have never been exposed to any type of spirituality. Spirituality feels foreign to you.
- You feel something is missing. You are healthy of mind and body but feel something is missing in your life. You feel unfulfilled and empty on some level, but aren’t sure why.
- You’re too busy to reflect. You are wrapped up in the day-to-day obligations to work and family. This busyness leaves you no quiet time to reflect on the spiritual realm.
- You purposely avoid spirituality. You may have a negative mindset against anything spiritual, possibly due to an adverse experience in the past. This blocks you from tending to the needs of your spiritual self.
- Your life feels out of balance. When mind, body, and spirit are balanced, overall wellbeing is optimal. If you are feeling like something is off or out of balance, consider exploring your spiritual side.
How to Achieve Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Emotionally healthy spirituality can lead to a sense of inner calm that only enhances overall wellness. Being spiritually healthy refers to allowing space in your life for the things we cannot see with our eyes, but do feel it exists. Healthy spirituality involves a letting go of expectations about what we think exists, and to embrace the realm openly.
Consider these 6 ways to nurture the spiritual side and to become healthy spiritually:
Mindfulness. Helps you avoid distracting thoughts that keep you stressed and worried about the things of this world. Mindfulness helps you focus beyond these distractions and reflect on the beauty of nature.
- Yoga. The practice of yoga involves slow, purposeful moves and poses that includes stretching, focused breathing, and meditation. Yoga is in itself an Eastern spiritual practice designed to nurture a sense of peace within the spiritual realm.
- Massage therapy. A relaxation massage helps to release toxins stored in the body while easing muscle tension. Because massage sessions are in a dimly lit, quiet setting, it inspires reflection on the meaning and purpose of life.
- Journaling. Keeping a journal is a great way to flesh out your daily reflections about life and what lies beyond. By writing down your thoughts or questions regarding spiritual beliefs, it helps you discern a personal worldview.
- Focused breathing. Deep breathing techniques are very effective at slowing down the heart rate and respiratory rate, which is deeply relaxing. This relaxed state is conducive to meditating and reflecting on your spiritual beliefs.
- Grounding. Grounding techniques connect us directly with nature and the earth’s energy field. Just walking in the grass, sand, dirt, or shallow water barefoot is a relaxing and spiritual experience.
If you are feeling as if your mind, body, and spirit are out of balance, consider exploring your spiritual side. You may be surprised to find that the spirit is yearning for some well-deserved attention.
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The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on mental health conditions and treatment options for adults, teens, and families. If you are struggling to be emotionally healthy spiritually, you may benefit from a tailored mental health program. Please reach out to our team for guidance and support at Request a Call.
