What is Emotional Health (EH)?

Emotions are a consequence of our thoughts (both conscious and sub-conscious). They come from within, and often they are not in our control.Hence there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” emotions.

What is good or bad is the action we take when we experience certain emotions. Our EH is determined by how well we can identify our own emotions from time to time and how we manage those emotions.

Most people are aware of and can manage their Physical Health. Sincere people also take care of their Spiritual Health. But many miss out on development of EH. Hence, starting with this issue, we are presenting a column giving tips on how to maintain and improve your EH.

To start with, let us understand the four basic feelings that most behavioural scientists consider as “core” emotions, and reflect on how they affect our lives:

When we are sad, we may deprive ourselves of seeing things in totality. We may concentrate on our misery and helplessness and not be able to enjoy the happiness life is giving us.

When we are angry, we may be consumed with thoughts of getting back at someone, undoing perceived injustice, or just fuming and brooding. We may even take action that we regret later, even if it is only expression through words. We need to deal with anger, manage it there and then, and tide over it.

When we are afraid, we may get pulled down with self-defeating and demoralizing thoughts. This may lead to losing faith in ourselves and in our future. We lose our potential to lead a happy, fulfilling life. We surely need to overcome our fears, real and imaginary, and emerge strong.

When we are happy, we may get carried away and neglect sharing our happiness with others. Out of happiness should ideally come peace. But what if it does not? It is then time to reflect and learn to manage our joys better.

Only when you accept that managing your emotions is a critical life skill, can you begin the process of building your EH. This will ensure that you can face all ups and downs with equal fortitude.

EMOTIONS

From North America comes a valuable story: An old Cherokee tribal chief told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Dr. Ali Khwaja, B Tech (IIT), MIE, MIIM, Ph.D, Chairman, Banjara Academy—an ardent student of life and passionate lover of all human-beings alike—makes you aware of the critical fact that emotions do matter