Emotions are an integral part of our daily lives and have a significant impact on our emotional and physical well-being.
From joy and excitement to sadness and anger, emotions can be intense and sometimes difficult to manage.
However, it is important to recognize that emotions are a normal and healthy part of the human experience and can provide valuable information about our needs and desires.
Although their importance has often been underestimated, a deeper understanding of emotions and how they affect our mental health can be essential to our overall well-being.
What are emotions?
Emotions are subjective and complex responses to events or thoughts that involve both the body and the mind.
These responses may include physiological changes, such as the release of hormones, as well as changes in our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Emotions can also be influenced by our beliefs, past experiences, and personal perspective.
The six most important emotions, which are considered universal and are observed in all cultures are: joy, sadness, anger -also called gonna–fear, disgust and surprise.
A 2015 study titled “Emotions and Subjective Well-Being: A Literature Review” (Fernández-Abascal, G., & Gázquez, JJ), examined how emotions affect our quality of life and found that positive emotions, such as Joy and gratitude are associated with greater subjective well-being and greater satisfaction with life..
On the other hand, negative emotions, such as fear and sadness, can have a negative impact on our emotional and physical well-being.
Put yourself in the hands of an expert
While it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions, it can sometimes be difficult to manage them in a healthy and effective way.
If you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or have difficulty coping with emotional problems, it may be helpful to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, are trained to help you understand and manage your emotions more effectively.
At we have been experts in online therapy since 2012. Throughout our career We have helped more than 1,600 patients overcome various emotional problems. If you are interested in seeking the help of an online psychologist, you can request a free first session by clicking on the button below.
Try a free session with us
Overcome emotional problems and take care of your mental health with the professional help of a psychologist.
Make an appointment
The impact of emotions on physical health
It’s important to recognize that our emotions have a significant impact on our physical health as well. A 2018 study titled “The Role of Emotions in Physical Health: A Systematic Review” (Lin, LY, & Chentsova-Dutton, YE), found an association between negative emotions and an increased risk of physical illness. For example, chronic stress and anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders. On the other hand, positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, have been linked to improved physical health and increased longevity.
Emotions and self-concept
Our emotions can also have an impact on our self-perception and self-concept.
A 2016 study titled “Self-concept and emotions: A review” (Tomašev, N., & Bratko, D.), found that negative emotions, such as sadness and anger, can negatively affect our self-concept and self-perception.
On the other hand, positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, can improve our self-concept and self-confidence.
How to manage emotions in a healthy way
While it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions, it is important to learn how to manage them in a healthy and effective way. Some helpful strategies for managing emotions include:
- Identify and name emotions: Recognizing and putting words to your emotions can be the first step to understanding why you feel a certain way and what needs or desires may be behind that emotion.
- Learn relaxation techniquesRelaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help calm the body and mind and manage stress and negative emotions.
- Do exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and improving emotional well-being.
The importance of expressing and understanding emotions
Although we are often told to control or hide our emotions, it is important to remember that emotions are a normal and healthy part of the human experience.
Instead of trying to suppress or deny our emotions, it's important to learn to express and understand them in healthy ways. This can include talking to a friend or family member about your feelings, writing in a journal, or seeking professional help.
Additionally, learning to understand the emotions of others may also be essential to having healthy and satisfying relationships. A 2017 study titled “Empathy and Emotions: A Review” (Gentile, B., & Sütterlin, S.), found that empathyor the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, It is related to more satisfying relationships and greater emotional resilience..
The relationship between emotions and resilience
Resilience, or the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, is an important skill for all of us.
A 2014 study titled “Resilience and Emotions: A Review” (Bonanno, GA, & Kaltman, S.), found that emotions play an important role in our ability to be resilient. Positive emotions, such as hope and optimism, can help increase our resilience and our ability to cope with and overcome obstacles.
On the other hand, negative emotions, such as fear and anxiety, can negatively affect our resilience.