I recently wrote an article that had to do with being aware of your emotional cup. I pretty much used the analogy of a cup and liquid as your capacity of how much you can handle in a day. There are many things that take from that emotional cup. It’s important not to let that emotional cup run dry. As I mention in that article there is only so much a person can handle, no matter how mentally healthy they are. I also briefly touched on finding the things that can help fill your cup. I wanted to go a little more in depth with this one. We are all different and there are going to be different things that we need to figure out to fill that cup. I wanted to go over some of ideas to help figure out ways that you can fill your emotional cup.
- The Right People – There are a lot of toxic people in the world. People that take and take from our emotional cups and don’t care about us at all. However, there are also a lot of very positive people. Those people that when you are around them you feel uplifted. People that make you see yourself in the best light. It’s important to be able to recognize who those people are. Surround yourself with people that are going to fill your cup and give happiness and energy.
- Hobbies – There are actual studies showing the health benefits of having a hobby. Hobbies that keep your hands, and mind busy. Hobbies are considered a positive stress. Find a hobby that interests you and makes you feel like you accomplished something. Whether that be a puzzle, or a craft, or writing a story. There are so many different things you can do. Find the right one for you.
- Pamper Yourself – Sometimes we need to be reminded that we can take time to ourselves. A lot of people refer to this as a mental health day. However that looks for you. If that is going out with girls and getting manicures and pedicures. Or maybe it means going out into the mountains alone to meditate in nature. Or still yet, staying in with some tea and a good book. We always focus on that to do list, or money, or chores. Sometimes we just have to stop and take a breath. Give ourself a chance to destress and unwind.
- Get Out – Sometimes when we feel exhausted and just want to sit at home really down, it’s good to get out. Get outdoors and go for a hike, or a park. Get some fresh air, it’s good for you. This includes for exercise, yoga, or running. I’ve had moments that I felt so emotionally spent and I really didn’t want to, but I went for a run. It made such a huge difference for me. When I got back those emotions were in check. Getting the blood pumping and the endorphins releasing made me feel better overall.
- Meditate and Project Positivity – Meditation is something that is discussed on a very common basis. Meditation involves clearing your mind and taking deep breaths. For me, my meditation has included projecting positivity. That I will get closer to my goals. That I will continue to become stronger and better. That I will become a better wife and mom. Projecting not as a wish but as a commitment.
- Find a Sense of Accomplishment – For most of us when we feel that we have accomplished something big, or just even lots of little things, it gives us a sense of purpose or peace. Being able to focus on tasks that needs to be done and getting them done to have a good positive view of self. It will help you fill your emotional cup. The better view that you have of yourself the bigger your emotional cup will be, the more capacity it will have.
- Clear your Plate – Just to encompass different people, this one is the opposite of the previous idea. Sometimes, being able to have a guiltless day without having to worry about things that need to get can be refreshing. If you avoid putting too much stress on yourself then you will not expend your emotional cup as fast. Just be able to relax and focus on your own mind and self.
This are just a few of the ideas that I have either personally used or was able to come up with. I know that there are plenty of other ideas and options for filling our emotional cups. If you can think of another option, please comment and share.
Mel's Health and Fitness 