HealthyLife Articles

Tag: feelings

Caring For Your Emotional Health

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. The pandemic and recent world events can take a toll on your emotional health. But there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

Take breaks from news and social media.

Hearing about a crisis throughout your day can be upsetting. Schedule a time once a day to check the news or social media, and then turn it off.

Take care of your body.

Your physical health affects your mental health. Try going for a walk instead of curling up on the couch. If you’re hungry, eat some fruits and vegetables. Limit or avoid processed foods, which can make you feel worse.

Keep in touch with others.

Call or text friends or family members. Talk about your feelings and let them talk about theirs. You can be a support system for one other.

If you need help managing stress or emotional health, talk to your doctor or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline at 800-985-5990.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Recognize When Something Is Bothering You

Healthylife® Weigh

Part 6

Identify what forces are at play. These may be positive or negative emotions that are pushing you to do something you don’t need or want to do.

The following emotions that trigger less healthy eating.

* Anger

* Anxiety

* Boredom

* Depression

* Frustration

* Insecurity

* Stress

* Celebration

Write other feelings you have that trigger feelings of hunger:

* Accept that you are having these feelings. Rather than trying to change how you feel, focus on changing your response to these feelings.

* Keep a journal to determine what triggers lead you to emotional eating.

For negative emotions, did eating food solve the situation? Chances are it did not. Food does not solve emotional problems. It never has and it never will. Food simply keeps you from dealing with the issue at hand. When the last bite is eaten, the problem is still there.

Positive emotions, like joy and comradery, may cause you to overeat. Think of a time when you were celebrating and over-ate.

Avoid feeling guilty if you have overeaten or chosen less healthy foods. The feeling of guilt can make digestion difficult or lead to more overeating.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Four Ways To Develop Empathy

WELL-BEING

The ability to empathize with those around you is essential to healthy relationships. Empathy is essentially the act of understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings.

The more you can empathize, the easier it is to connect with other people.

While empathy may come naturally to some people, for others, it is more difficult. Thankfully, there are ways you can practice empathy and get better at seeing the world from another’s point of view.

*Be curious about others.Get in the habit of asking questions and really trying to understand what someone else is experiencing.

*Learn to listen.If you want to share the feelings of others, you first have to truly hear what they are saying.

*Practice acts of kindness.When you do something kind for another person, it creates an opportunity to imagine what their life is like.

*Step out of your comfort zone.Experiences like traveling or meeting new people let you see the world in a new way.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026