1. You are comfortable with who you are.
Feeling mostly content with life and liking who you are as a person are signs that your emotional health is in equilibrium. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you are happy all the time, or that there aren’t things you might like to improve upon, but having practical self-talk helps us to feel comfortable being ourselves, whatever the situation.
2. You are adaptable and resilient.
Being able to accept, and express our emotions is key to moving forward when things don’t go to plan. This self-awareness helps us to control our emotions, and avoid emotional drama. Emotionally healthy people are broad-minded and don’t feel emotionally attached to a narrow way of doing things. They don’t take themselves too seriously, which helps them avoid feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
3. You have positive relationships with the people in your life.
The social side of emotional intelligence is central to emotional wellness. Being able to communicate your own feelings, and identify with the feelings of others is an important predictor of emotional health. This isn’t always easy but having a powerful support network to help you through the difficult times is a great sign and a source of emotional wellness.
4. You have a sense of purpose.
Do you feel connected to yourself, to other people, and to the broad world? Having a sense of meaning in your life is not only a sign of emotional balance, but helps you appreciate the bigger picture, trust your own decisions, and persevere when things are tough.
5. You take care of your physical health.
Someone who makes the effort to take care of themselves physically, by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep, is likely to be someone who enjoys a sense of purpose in their life. They’re optimistic, motivated, and focused. Someone who feels emotionally strained is far less likely to be opting in for healthy snacks and smoothies or enjoying a leisurely walk. As we’ve discussed, emotional and physical health are closely linked, so taking care of one is taking care of the other.
6. You are comfortable saying ‘no.’
If you are able to hold clear boundaries and say no to things without feeling guilty, then this is a great sign of emotional health. Emotionally healthy people are not weighed down by the opinions of others or fixated on receiving approval. And of course, they do not feel awkward about asking for help when they need it.
7. You make time to relax.
Emotionally healthy people recognize the need to recharge their batteries and make time to relax and reflect. Whether it’s meditation, spending time with friends, painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or caring for a pet, try to find an activity you enjoy that creates a sense of inner peace.
