Health Tip: Managing Your Emotions

Suggestions to help understand and express your feelings

October 30, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Understanding and controlling your emotions is as important as managing your physical health.

Here are suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians that may help:

Express your feelings, but do it in an appropriate way. Don't keep your emotions bottled up. Talk to a close friend or relative if something is bothering you.
Don't ignore your emotions. If talking with a close friend or relative doesn't work, seek professional help.
Prepare before you act out emotionally. Don't simply lash out in anger, frustration or sadness, or you may regret what you say.
Achieve a healthy balance of work, play and relaxation, remembering to look for the positive in all situations.
Since your physical health affects you emotionally, eat a healthy diet, avoid drugs and alcohol, and get frequent exercise.