We all face times when everything seems to go wrong at once. I know I sure have. And when that happens, our wellness can take a hit.
We have been discussing emotional wellness this month in my empowerment community (you can apply here to join for free). That includes:
Being able to manage your emotions in stressful situations
Feeling emotionally supported in your daily life by friends and family
Finding activities that create a sense of calm and inner peace
Bouncing back quickly after emotional setbacks
Below, I summarize what I discuss in this podcast episode. Scroll up, hit play, and listen to my full discussion.
Reality Check: Life Will Never Be Perfect
The myth of “having it all together”
Why chaos and setbacks are inevitable
The danger of expecting constant bliss
Redefining your baseline expectations
What emotional wellness really means
Building Your Foundation for Resilience
Sleep
Why sleep deprivation destroys resilience
Treating sleep as essential, not optional
Exercise
I got serious about exercise in my 40s, but start sooner if you can!
Physical resilience creates emotional resilience
Consistency matters. Do something every day.
Time in Nature
The restorative power of green exercise
My wife and I take off every Wed to hike or ski
Making it a priority, not an afterthought
Relationships
We are facing a loneliness epidemic
It’s essential to maintain friendships online and offline
Why connection matters for emotional stability
Routines
Morning routines help (e.g., I journal while I enjoy my coffee)
Processing Setbacks When They Happen
Don’t Suppress, Don’t Spiral
Acknowledge and process emotions
Writing things down to gain clarity
Identifying what you’re really feeling and why
Separate Events from Identity
“I failed” vs. “I am a failure”
Remembering past challenges you’ve overcome
Your core identity
Reframe the Narrative
What if this setback is actually a gift?
My personal examples (e.g., job losses that led to better opportunities)
Reframing fear as excitement
Looking back months or years later with a new perspective
Your Recovery Toolkit
Healthy Self-Soothing Methods
What doesn’t work (e.g., junk food, alcohol, doom scrolling)
What does work (e.g., exercise, nature, art, music)
Using these as “vitamins” (preventive), not just “painkillers” (reactive)
Recognizing early warning signs before you spiral
Regaining Control
Why setbacks make us feel powerless
Returning to routines and rituals
Creating small wins
Forward-looking goals
Talking It Through
The value of judgment-free listeners
Friends, loved ones, or coaches
Venting vs. problem-solving conversations
Getting perspective from outside yourself
The Long Game: Emotional Wellness as Practice
This is a lifelong skill that you will keep developing
Being patient with recovery
Learning to set better boundaries
Monitoring and adjusting continuously
Schedule a complimentary call with me and let’s chat about your wellness plan!
I’m Larry Cornett, Ph.D., an Empowerment Coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! 📕 Check out my Invincible Daily Journals. I have one specifically for the Winter!
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