“Research continues to show that your mental health significantly impacts your physical health. Strong mental health also helps boost your immune system, reducing your risk of getting sick.
So, how can you improve your mind-body connection? View some simple tips below.
Establish emotional balance
Emotional or mental wellness doesn’t mean you always have to be happy. That’s just not realistic. Part of the beauty of being a human is experiencing and learning from all emotions – the ups and downs, the good and the bad.
Emotional balance is the act of being aware of and experiencing your emotions instead of bottling them up inside. Here’s how it works:
- Acknowledge body and emotional changes. Take a moment to notice that you’re experiencing some type of emotion. You don’t have to identify it right away.
- Feel your feelings. Close your eyes and take a deep breath to help you identify your feelings. Do you have butterflies in your stomach? Do you feel a warmth or glowing feeling inside?
- Name the emotion. Words have power. By simply saying, “I feel anxious” or “I feel happy” you can start to respond productively instead of reacting unconsciously.
- Practice mindfulness. Being mindful can help you find emotional balance. Try meditation, yoga or breathing exercises to stretch your mindful muscle. The more you practice, the easier it will become to notice and name your emotions.
Find a purpose
A purpose in life – whether it’s in work, service, hobby or family – can help improve your mind-body connection. Below are a few examples:
- Explore your interests;
- Volunteer at local organizations important to you;
- Consider what you love to do;
- Talk to friends and family;
- Try new experiences.”
Learn about Mental Wellness
Online Resources:
Library of things:
Offers access to full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, multimedia, and much more. Perfect for researchers at all levels, this comprehensive consumer health resource provides authoritative information on the full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices.
eBook collection featuring medical topics on diseases, mental health, drug use, and the human body.
Food database that contains traditional recipes for 174 countries of the world in all course categories: appetizers, soups, salads, breads, main courses, side dishes, desserts, snacks, and beverages.
Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center
A database of detailed "how-to" instructions and creative ideas that meet the interests of virtually every hobby enthusiast. Includes leading full-text hobby and craft magazines, hobby profiles, recipes, and videos all in a unique, dedicated user interface with easy-to-browse categories.
Mango Languages New!
Learn 70+ languages at your own pace. Practice includes reading, writing, and listening in online lessons.
Booklists for all Ages:
Mental Wellness - Booklist for Children
Mental Wellness – Booklist for Teens
Mental Wellness – Booklist for Adults
National Resources:
- 21 Ways to Celebrate Mental Wellness Month
- The Little Things Mental Health Campaign
- Emotional Wellness Toolkit
- How to improve Mental Wellness
- 31 Tips to Boost your Mental Health
- How to improve your Mental Wellbeing
- Mental Health Coalition
- CDC – Mental Health
- CDC - Teen Mental Health
- Teen & Young Adult Help Line
- CDC – Children Mental Health
- Blissful Kids
- Socially Connected Communities: Solutions for Social Isolation
State Resources:
- Mental and Emotional well-being
- Mental Health Matters of Washington
- Washington State Community Connectors
TRL is committed to the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. TRL Celebrations recognize significant events throughout the year to promote a culture of inclusion, representation, and belonging that reflects communities we serve, and encourage connection to the richness and diversity of our communities and the world at large.
