FEEL BETTER

Ever felt so down you couldn't concentrate in school or enjoy social activities with your friends? If so, you are not alone. In a recent survey, half of all college students said they had been so stressed that they couldn’t get their work done or enjoy social activities during the last semester. But all of us have the power to take control of our emotional health in order to improve our moods and get the most out of life.

Taking control of your emotional health involves realizing that choices you make about sleep, diet and exercise can have a direct impact on your emotions and state of mind. It also means being proactive when you are concerned about your thoughts or feelings. When unaddressed, mental health problems like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and addiction can make it hard to do well or feel good. The good news is that these problems are treatable and getting help is the first step towards feeling better and moving forward.

Here are some quick tips that everyone can use to take control of their emotional health:

Lack of sleep can hinder your ability to think rationally, make good decisions and deal with stressful situations. It can also make it hard to do well in class and can make you more likely to get sick, upset or depressed. Most experts recommend 7 to 8 hours a sleep of night, but the best sleep schedule is one that works for you and fits into your schedule. Take control of your emotional health by creating the best sleep plan for you and your lifestyle.

Research has shown that people dealing with mild to moderate depression have experienced up to a 50 percent reduction in symptoms after exercising on a regular basis. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 to 5 times a week can significantly improve mood, decrease fatigue and reduce stress. Take control of your emotional health by working exercise into your weekly schedule.

It can be hard to eat when you are on the go, but ignoring your body’s nutritional needs can have severe consequences on your state of mind. Too much caffeine or foods high in sugar can increase nervousness and irritability and make you less able to concentrate and manage stress. Not getting enough key vitamins and nutrients can also have a negative impact on your mood. Take control of your emotional health by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

How we deal with stress is just as important as the factors that cause it. Good stress management involves avoiding stress when possible and developing coping skills to deal with necessary challenges and pressures. Take control of your emotional health by figuring out the best way to manage the stress in your life.

Hanging out with friends and going to parties can be a stress reliever, but it is important to understand that using drugs or alcohol to unwind can also be detrimental to your emotional health. Abusing drugs and alcohol can cause depression, irritability, bad judgment, and insomnia. Take control of your emotional health by knowing your limits and the signs of a drug or alcohol problem.

If you were experiencing back pain or stomach cramps, you would probably go to your doctor or health center to get it checked out. It’s just as important to speak up and get things checked out if you are concerned about your thoughts, feelings or behavior. Take control of your emotional health by using our Check Yourself tool or reaching out for help.

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Years of emotional struggles leave actress Heather Matarazzo feeling hopeless until she realizes she has the strength to face her fears.