As a supported living service, we understand the vital role emotional health plays in overall well-being. Every day, we pride ourselves on recognising and processing our own emotions while supporting those we care for on their personal journeys. Emotional health is at the heart of meaningful connections, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with strength and clarity.
But what exactly is emotional health? Why does it matter? And how can training our emotional health muscles help us navigate through mental health struggles? Well – that’s why we’re here today!
Let’s start with the basics, emotional health refers to the ability to manage emotions, cope with life’s challenges, and maintain a positive outlook. It involves self-awareness and embracing both positive and negative emotions unlike mental health, which may involve diagnoses, emotional health centres on well-being and balance in daily life.
It’s easy to associate emotional health with mental health, and it’s true that both work together, however, they do serve distinct roles. Emotional health is about recognising, managing, and expressing feelings appropriately, while mental health involves cognitive functions like decision-making, stress management, and perception.
One shapes how we think, the other how we express. When mental health struggles arise, they can cloud judgment and lead to emotional misinterpretations, which is why learning to balance both is key to helping us navigate life.
A useful way to understand their connection is through the analogy of an ocean — mental health as the vast, deep waters, and emotional health as the waves. Mental health involves processing the information we take in, while emotional health is how we react and respond to that information. They’re related, yes, but markedly different.
The CDC describes emotional health as part of the broader umbrella of mental health, which also includes psychological and social well-being. In this sense, mental health shapes behavioural health, encompassing the way we think, feel, and interact with the world around us.
From this perspective, emotional health cannot be fully understood or supported without first acknowledging mental health — just as waves cannot exist without the ocean. However, they are not the same. A person may have the motivation to go to work and be efficient in everyday tasks, but feel drained, low in self-confidence and care less and less about hygiene, sleep and their loved ones over time – showing the signs of a deeper mental issue that needs addressing.
Good emotional health is vital for overall well-being and key to establishing mental resilience. It helps manage stress, build strong relationships, and maintain a positive mindset. Emotionally healthy people handle adversity, recover from setbacks, and enjoy life more fully. Additionally, it boosts productivity, decision-making, and life satisfaction.
In 2024, a Harvard Health study found that those who invest in their own mental health and resilience are more likely to live longer lives, due to emotion-regulating tactics including meditation and focusing on gratitude, both of which offer proven mental health benefits that strengthen the longer they’re performed.
This shows that prioritising mental health not only enhances daily well-being but also contributes to long-term resilience and longevity. By building healthy coping strategies, we can scientifically improve our quality of life and overall life expectancy!
In 2024, Mind released their report titled “Moving more is good for our mental health, so, what’s stopping us?” Stating that “more than one-third of UK adults (36%) do not meet the recommendations set out by the World Health Organisation” and the CDC also listed physical health as a “key component to overall health” along with mental health and subsequently, emotional health.
The effects of poor emotional health often show in ways we don’t always notice immediately. For example, chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and sleep disorders. In contrast, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep reduce anxiety and boost mood through endorphin release.
Pause and Reflect: Take time to identify your emotions without judgment. Journaling or mindfulness can help you recognise patterns in your feelings.
Name Your Emotions: Practice labelling your emotions — sadness, excitement, or frustration — to improve self-awareness.
Identify Triggers: Notice what situations or interactions bring up specific emotions.
Observe Physical Responses: Pay attention to bodily cues like tension, heart rate, or restlessness that signal your emotional state.
Accept Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel emotions without suppressing them; acceptance is the first step to processing emotions.
Practice Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can reduce anxiety and calm your nervous system.
Use the ‘Pause and Respond’ Technique, also known as S.T.O.P: When feeling overwhelmed, pause before reacting to allow emotions to settle.
Try Grounding Techniques: Engage your senses — feel an object, focus on a scent, or listen to calming sounds.
Create a Coping Kit: Include items that comfort you, such as calming music, affirmations, or a book.
Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with more constructive, realistic perspectives.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break large tasks into manageable steps to reduce overwhelm and build momentum.
Seek Support: Talk to a friend, therapist, or someone to share your feelings and gain perspective.
Practice Self-Awareness: Use journaling or mindfulness to explore your emotions.
Stay Connected: Build supportive relationships to reduce loneliness.
Manage Stress: Develop coping strategies like deep breathing or hobbies.
Stay Physically Active: Exercise such as walking to boost mood and reduce anxiety.
Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritise rest to support emotional regulation.
Limit Negativity: Minimise exposure to excessive social media or toxic relationships.
Seek Professional Help: Consult a counsellor or therapist if needed.
Support systems are vital. Family, friends, and community groups can provide comfort and perspective.
Here is a list of UK support organisations to help you when you’re struggling:
It’s clear that emotional health is key to a balanced and fulfilling life. By learning about self-awareness, managing emotions effectively, and reaching out for support when needed, you can strengthen your personal resilience, deepen relationships, and improve overall well-being.
Happiness Unpacked: Positive Emotions Increase Life Satisfaction by Building Resilience – PMC
About Mental Health | Mental Health | CDC
Emotional Health Examples (What You Need to Know)
Resilience tied to a longer life – Harvard Health
