According to the Mental Health Foundation, in any given week in the UK, 1 in 6 people experience a common emotional or mental health problem, like anxiety or depression.
Emotional Health Awareness Day (EHAD) is the perfect opportunity to recognise and prioritise emotional wellbeing.
It is a day that prompts us to reflect on our own emotional states and take some time to understand the huge impact that it can have on our overall life quality – as well as taking meaningful steps to improve emotional health.
Join us as we explore what this day is all about and why it is important. Let’s embrace this chance to develop healthy emotional habits.
What is Emotional Health Awareness Day?
A day dedicated to acknowledging the emotional health challenges that affect so many of us.
Established by Family Links in 1997, this year’s EHAD marks a significant 25-year journey of advocating for the importance of nurturing emotional health across our communities, schools, and workplaces.
EHAD highlights the impact that our emotional health has on our lives, such as our ability to be productive, or create and maintain positive relationships – urging us to take stock of our emotional wellbeing. To check in with ourselves (and others) as well as to share information and provide or seek support.
By encouraging reflection, dialogue, and practical activities focused on emotional wellness, Emotional Health Awareness Day aims to create a more supportive and health-aware society.
Why is emotional health important?
Emotional health is fundamental to our overall wellbeing – it plays a key role in influencing the ways we manage stress, interact in relationships, and how we perform at work.
In the UK, mixed anxiety and depression are prevalent – affecting 7.8% of the population – emphasising the need for addressing emotional wellbeing and taking action. The importance of emotional health can be seen in terms of the way it impacts not only individuals and their families and friends, but also society at large.
Good emotional health enhances self-awareness, allowing us to recognise and manage our emotions in a more effective way. This is especially so when it comes to tackling the issues that come with daily stress and mental health challenges, which – if left unaddressed – can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Emotional health also plays a vital role at building positive relationships and boosting workplace productivity. When emotional health is good, people are able to grow their support networks and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
These points highlight a pressing need for initiatives like Emotional Health Awareness Day, which promotes awareness, understanding, and action towards improving emotional health.
How to improve your emotional health
If you want to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life, improving your emotional health is a great place to start.
Here are some emotional health activities and exercises you can do to strengthen your emotional wellbeing and live your best life:
- Mindfulness and meditation: Regular practice has been shown to significantly lower stress and anxiety levels. NHS resources on mindfulness provide accessible techniques for beginners.
- Physical activities: Activities like yoga and walking can help boost your mood and mental wellbeing. The NHS Health and Wellbeing Framework suggests integrating physical activity into your routine for improved emotional health.
- Creative expression: Channel emotions through art, writing, or music as a therapeutic outlet for feelings and thoughts.
- Self-care: Prioritise self-care by ensuring adequate sleep, healthy eating, and setting boundaries to manage stress effectively. The NHS offers guidance on self-care practices.
- Community: Whether through friends, family, or support groups making connections reduces feelings of isolation.
- Professional help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals when needed. The NHS provides various mental health services for support and guidance.
These steps, endorsed by a range of health professionals, can significantly contribute to improving your emotional health.
How can you also be there for a loved one, struggling with their emotional health? Mind offers some excellent suggestions – including something as simple as listening – to more personal measures, such as helping with stressful paperwork, or finding and sharing useful resources.
Nurturing our emotional wellbeing
PHP proudly supports Emotional Health Awareness Day, and we encourage everyone to engage with the activities and resources available to improve emotional health.
Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #emotionalhealthawarenessday and let's make a positive change.
