How is your emotional fitness?

Emotional wellbeing may be defined as a positive state of mind and body, where one feels safe and connected to other people, the community and the wider environment.

Being able to enjoy optimal emotional health and fitness informs our capacity to manage, communicate and interpret events, as well as to form and sustain relationships. When emotional wellbeing is balanced, we can relish every moment, rather than feel overwhelmed and sluggish, which over time will derail our physical health. Emotional wellbeing is the key which enables us to progress in our lives; it also determines our physical health, because negative emotions put the body under stress, which in turn compromises immunity and may trigger behaviour which harms physical health, such as overindulgence in alcohol or risk-taking behaviour.

The key signs of emotional stress include: trouble sleeping or oversleeping, racing thoughts or constant worry, anger and irritability, restlessness, feeling mood changes, low energy and a lack of motivation.

Unfortunately, despite the wealth of information on the importance of recognising these signs, there is still a tendency to not address emotional wellbeing openly, perhaps out of a fear of being judged or thought of as weak by others. The good news is that there are natural solutions that will support emotional and mental wellbeing so that you can sleep better, feel motivated and energetic, and more inclined to undertake physical exercise, which supports overall wellbeing.

My top tips for emotional wellbeing are:

• Expose yourself to as much fresh air and sunlight as possible
• Make your emotions your responsibility
• Take care of your physical health
• Pursue a hobby
• Learn ways to manage your stress
• Practise gratitude
• Explore new ways to express yourself
• Learn how to meditate and practice mindfulness
• Support your emotional wellbeing with Bach Flower Remedies

What are Bach Flower Remedies?

Developed over 150 years ago by Dr Edward Bach, these remedies are based on his philosophy that a person’s emotional and mental state influence their overall health and wellbeing. Each formula is designed to support a restful and quiet mind in an increasingly busy world. These natural medicines can act as a catalyst for positive inner transformation, raising self-awareness, self-reliance and self-esteem, and move us from negative states towards positive ones.

The Martin & Pleasance Rest&Quiet range contains combinations of Original Bach Method & Potency, Bach Flower Remedies that are traditionally used for stress, sleep and focus. They are available in spray or dropper form, or as travel-friendly pastilles, which are perfect for your handbag or car. All the products in the Rest&Quiet range are alcohol-free, high potency, and safe for the whole family.

Rest&Quiet Calm: Traditionally used to relieve symptoms of stress and mild anxiety.

With cherry plum (for fear of losing control), clematis (lack of interest in the present), impatiens (impatience), rock rose (panic and terror), Star of Bethlehem (shock, loss or grief), aspen (fear and anxiety of unknown origin) mimulus (fear of known things) and white chestnut (unwanted thoughts).

Rest&Quiet Sleep: Traditionally used to relieve sleeplessness.

With agrimony (for inner worry and torment), cherry plum, elm (overwhelmed by responsibility), impatiens, vervain (overenthusiastic, active mind) and white chestnut.

Rest&Quiet Focus: Traditionally used to support mental focus, concentration, and clarity.

With clematis, elm, hornbeam (for mental fatigue and brain fog), larch (lack of self-confidence), scleranthus (indecision and uncertainty), walnut (oversensitivity to life changes) and white chestnut, plus vitamin B12.

For more information, visit restandquiet.com.au. Martin & Pleasance are one of Endeavour College of Natural Health’s generous graduation sponsors.

Susan Gianevsky has formal qualifications in both education and homeopathy specialising in mineral therapy. With over 25 years’ experience and with Martin & Pleasance as health ambassador, training manager inspiring everyone she meets on the importance of mind and body balance, Susan is often invited to write articles for magazines and still finds time to run consultations and workshops with clients all over the world.

Susan is a well-respected educator, speaker and women's networking participant. Susan's passion is women's health sharing her knowledge and homeopathic remedies inspiring women to create harmony within themselves physically, mentally and spiritually.

Susan travels nationally and internationally as an ambassador for women's health inspiring women of all ages to come together, share, learn and embrace what it is to be powerful and unique women.

Susan has been an integral part of Martin & Pleasance for over 25 years and believes maintaining healthy cells is the key to optimum health & wellbeing.