Ten Ways to Stay Off My Couch

Ten Ways to Stay Off My Couch

Though I do believe that many people could benefit from therapy, I don't believe that everyone needs it. Most of us are equipped with the tools we need to help ourselves out of many emotional challenges. Here are ten things you can do to keep yourself off the therapist's couch.

1. Talk about your feelings. Whether it be to a friend or a family member, a golf pro or your hairdresser, you need to share what's going on with you. Holding on to pain is a surefire way to stay in it.

2. Exercise regularly. It's important to your state of mind. New research shows that it can be just as effective as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

3. Work on your relationship. Couples who talk about their issues, have date nights, and learn to argue respectfully tend to have long-lasting and satisfying unions.

4. Read self-help books. If you're having an emotional issue, there's a book on it and most likely a web site. Read about how others have gotten through difficult times; you can learn from their experiences.

5. Get involved in your community. Becoming part of something larger than yourself can be rewarding and can enhance your self-esteem. Remember that when you get wrapped up in yourself, you become a very small package.

6. Stay connected with your family. Being alone in this big world is hard. Go to family events, even if they bore you to tears or you have to deal with occasional obnoxious behaviors. The payoff is that, as time passes, these people and memories will become treasured-perhaps odd, but treasured.

7. Give up your resentments. Holding on to negative emotions is unhealthy, unproductive and prevents you from receiving love. Learn to let things go and use your differences as a means of having debates or discussions, not for creating arguments or distance.

8. Get regular medical check-ups. Changes in the body (especially the endocrine system) can result in or mimic emotional disturbance. Medications can be life changing in both positive and negative ways. Making sure your body is in balance, and that your prescriptions are appropriate is crucial to your emotional fitness.

9. Trust your intuition. Many of the answers to questions people have lie deep within them, but most people don't sit quietly and reflect on what it is they are truly feeling. Take some time every day to meditate, reflect, think, and ponder.

10. Find a higher power. For the most part, people who have a god in their lives tend to be more at peace than those who do not. Never underestimate the power of positive prayer.

Doing any of the above is helpful to your psyche. However, if you find that you are in constant emotional distress, can't stop crying, are worried all the time, or if you are in an abusive relationship, seek professional care. There are many wonderful counselors who can help you find balance and heal your pain.