Harmony between body and mind provides us well-being through self-knowledge.
Emotional balance is the ability to maintain stable mental health, in a state in which a person is able to adequately manage their emotions, both positive and negative, without getting carried away by extremes or imbalances that affect their psychological well-being and their ability to cope. function effectively in daily life.
This implies having awareness and understanding of one's own emotions, as well as skills for affective regulation and adaptability to different situations in a constructive way. Emotional balance does not mean completely eliminating negative emotions, but rather managing them appropriately to maintain a general state of emotional well-being.
Body-mind connection
The connection between body and mind is an intrinsic and bidirectional relationship that influences our general well-being through self-knowledge. It manifests itself in various ways, including internal recognition, recognition of limits, emotional recognition, and recognition of needs.
Internal awareness is the ability to be aware of the physical sensations, thoughts and emotions we experience within ourselves. It allows us to identify how we feel physically and emotionally at any given moment, which helps us better understand our needs and make appropriate decisions to take care of our health and well-being.
Recognizing limits involves identifying our physical, mental and emotional capabilities, as well as our limitations. This allows us to carry out our daily activities, interpersonal relationships and responsibilities in a healthy way, thus avoiding exhaustion , stress and the deterioration of our physical and mental health.
Emotional recognition refers to the ability to understand and manage our own emotions. Know how we feel in different situations, as well as recognize the emotions of others. By developing emotional intelligence, we can effectively manage stress, anxiety , and other difficult emotions.
Need recognition consists of identifying and satisfying our physical, emotional and psychological needs appropriately. This may include the need for rest , healthy eating, satisfying social relationships, time for self-care, and personal enjoyment. In this way, we can promote greater well-being and satisfaction in our lives.
Meditation gives us the inner peace and serenity necessary for stress management and conflict resolution.
Promote emotional balance
Promoting emotional balance is essential to maintain optimal mental health and improve quality of life. Let's look at some of the most effective strategies:
- mindfulness : living in the present consciously, without judging the experiences that arise. This can be achieved through attention to breathing, bodily sensations, or present thoughts and emotions. Regular mindfulness practice can help reduce stress, anxiety and improve the ability to manage emotions;
- relaxation : techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga , can help reduce physical and mental tension, thus promoting emotional balance. The resulting physical and mental calm offers a space for recovery and rejuvenation;
- meditation : directing focused attention toward a specific object or mental process, such as breathing, a mantra, or a visual image. Helps cultivate mental clarity, calm and compassion towards oneself and others, which contributes to greater emotional balance;
- Personal reflection – Taking time to reflect on one's own experiences, thoughts and emotions can provide a greater understanding of oneself and the factors that influence our emotional well-being. It may include keeping an emotion journal, conducting regular self-assessments, or engaging in creative activities that encourage self-expression;
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional and mental problems. It gives us skills to challenge negative thoughts, discard unhealthy behavior patterns, and develop effective strategies to manage stress and regulate emotions.
The emotional validation inherent in therapy is necessary to relieve emotional burden and approach life with a new sense of purpose.
Therapy and coping
Psychological therapy and the development of coping strategies are essential tools to achieve emotional balance and improve mental health. Psychological therapy , also known as psychotherapy , is a structured, collaborative process in which a person works with a therapist to explore and address their emotional concerns, thoughts , and behaviors. There are different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy and many more, each with its own techniques and objectives.
During therapy, a safe and confidential space is provided to express emotions, understand patterns of thinking and behavior , identify challenges, and develop skills to overcome them. The therapist can help the person explore their past experiences, set realistic goals, learn effective coping strategies, and promote greater self-knowledge and self- acceptance .
Psychological therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of emotional problems, such as depression , anxiety, stress, eating disorders, trauma, and many other emotional difficulties . By participating in therapy, people can learn to better manage their emotions, improve their interpersonal relationships, and promote greater overall emotional well-being.
Regarding coping , they are the cognitive and behavioral techniques that a person uses to cope with stressful, challenging or emotionally difficult situations. They can be adaptive or maladaptive, depending on their effectiveness in helping the person manage stress and recover from adversity.
Adaptive and maladaptive strategies
Adaptive coping strategies may include using relaxation techniques, seeking social support, cognitive restructuring (changing the way you think about a situation), problem solving, and self-care . They promote a greater ability to regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience .
On the other hand, maladaptive coping strategies may include avoiding problems, using substances to cope with stress, denying problems, or excessive rumination. They may provide temporary relief, but in the long term they can increase emotional distress and hinder the ability to manage challenges effectively.