{"id":29104,"date":"2015-09-02T06:00:54","date_gmt":"2015-09-02T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=29104"},"modified":"2017-10-04T16:23:28","modified_gmt":"2017-10-04T23:23:28","slug":"practical-ways-to-work-toward-better-emotional-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/practical-ways-to-work-toward-better-emotional-balance-0902154","title":{"rendered":"Practical Ways to Work Toward Better Emotional Balance"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"YoungJust as the body works to maintain homeostasis<\/a> on a physical, cellular level, I believe the mind strives to create balance emotionally<\/a>. Both happen unconsciously<\/a>, though you can accelerate the processes\u00a0with various interventions. Just as physical wounds heal more quickly with antibiotic cream and a bandage, psychological injuries heal faster with rational self-talk, breathwork<\/a>, journaling, therapy, good food, yoga nidra, plenty of sleep, and other supportive strategies.<\/p>\n

How the Conscious and Unconscious Affect Emotional Balance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s hard to imagine that emotional homeostatic work can be accomplished unconsciously, but how else can sayings such as \u201cTime heals all wounds\u201d be explained? How does the simple passage of time assuage psychic pain? You may not notice incremental improvement, but suddenly, one day, you feel differently about something that previously disturbed you. That’s your unconscious mind processing change over time. Certain practices can support this growth and transformation.<\/p>\n

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Find a Therapist<\/a><\/h2>\n\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAdvanced Search<\/a>\n\t<\/form>\n<\/div>When you choose to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, you will often speed up the emotional healing process. It does not have to be solely relegated to your unconscious mind. Practices like yoga, meditation<\/a>, journaling, psychotherapy, yoga nidra, dreamwork<\/a>, and breathwork can all help soothe the nervous system and make conscious what has been unconscious so it can be safely felt, dealt with, and transcended.<\/p>\n

All these interventions may seem challenging or annoying at first because they are unfamiliar, require learning new skills, or bring up unpleasant memories<\/a> or feelings from the past. With practice, the initial break-in period will pass quickly, and you will begin\u00a0experiencing a feeling of mastery. These intervention can also serve as healthy tools for future times when you feel anxious<\/a>, angry<\/a>, sad<\/a>, or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

Practices to Move You toward Emotional Homeostasis<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Take a close look at your inner landscape. Where are the boulders blocking your path? Are they out in plain sight, or are your obstacles more like potholes, only noticeable when you’re right on top of them?<\/p>\n

Some great ways to analyze your internal topography include:<\/p>\n