This time of year can be challenging, we're feeling it too. We're not getting outside as much, it's cold and dark, and we're all vying for vacations to reset our moods. Yet as much as we'd like to be happy all the time, on a deeper level, that's not really what emotional wellness is all about. We like to think of it more like a colorful kaleidoscope – from the bright highs of happiness and excitement, to the muddy lows of sadness and frustration, and everything in between. Each hue needs the others to balance it out, and give the whole picture such a complex and interesting effect. Emotional wellness is all about recognizing, accepting, and honoring all our feelings, no matter how good or bad/big or small they may seem, so they can all play nicely together and make up the fabric of our lives without derailing us.

We like to think of our emotions as the vibrant threads that weave together the tapestry of life. Each one serves a purpose, offering valuable insights into our inner world and guiding us on our path to self-discovery. Even the darkest and smallest ones hold value (sometimes even more value than the shiny, pretty ones) and they all deserve to be honored and processed. Give yourself permission to feel deeply and fully by identifying and acknowledging your emotions, knowing that each one carries valuable lessons and wisdom. Give yourself space to cry, to grieve, and to feel the undesirable feelings like jealousy, malice and resentment. Once we've honored our emotions, we can let the ones go that no longer serve us, and retain the ones that do. 

When giving yourself time and space to work on emotional wellness don't forget about the role of mindfulness. When we focus on being present in the moment, and tuning into our thoughts and feelings without judgment, it's like hitting the pause button on the chaos of everyday life, and taking a deep breath to reconnect with ourselves. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively, and respond to life's challenges with grace and resilience.

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS THROUGH MINDFULNESS

JOURNALING

Not only are we reflecting on our feelings when we journal, but we're also honoring our time and our overall health. We're giving ourselves permission to feel deeply and to revel in the peace and quiet we've carved out. We're also giving ourselves something to look back on in the future so we can see how far we've grown.

BREATHWORK/MEDITATION

The most amazing thing about breathwork and meditation, (other than how well they help us process our emotions) is how you can practice them anywhere. You can go to a retreat and get really deep into it, or practice simply at your work desk, in the car, or in line at the grocery store. It can be at a moment when you urgently need to calm down, or a neutral moment when you just want to do something good for yourself. It doesn't matter, just take a series of deep breaths (we love box breathing) clear your mind as best you can (don't expect perfection), and try to observe your thoughts and emotions as they come and go. 

YOGA/WALKING

These practices are our favorite because they combine the body and mind in such a beautiful way. Yoga incorporates breathwork and meditative moments into the practice itself, and walking in nature is immensely restorative and grounding. This is a great time allow yourself to feel. It's not uncommon to burst into tears in the middle of a walk or yoga session simply because you're giving yourself the time and space to feel, and when you keep going, through the feelings, you can come out the other side feeling brand new. 

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS

Of course, no discussion about emotional wellness would be complete without mentioning the importance of connection. Human beings are social creatures by nature, and meaningful connections with others play a vital role in our emotional well-being. Each friendship we have brings something unique to the table, and the best way to nurture each connection is by feeding that uniqueness. One friend might be perfect to vent to over coffee, while another is great for spontaneous nature walks. Appreciate and value the strength of each connection, instead of focusing on what each friendship is lacking. The important thing is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and make your heart sing.

So there you have it – a friendly, fun-filled guide to living your best life by embracing emotional wellness. We like to think of our emotions (and our friends) like the colors of the rainbow – each one beautiful in its own unique way. So embrace them, honor them, and above all, celebrate the rich tapestry of feelings that make you wonderfully, beautifully human. Here's to feeling just fine, inside and out!

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