An AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness Perspective
by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
The National Center defines emotional wellness as an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of our feelings and the ability to manage effectively through challenges and change.
As an AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness consultant, I'm frequently asked if I could provide concrete strategies or tools to foster our own emotional well-being. Following is a concise list of things you can do for yourself. Please share these with your friends and loved ones:
1. Become aware of your feelings and try to label them (e.g., “I’m feeling nervous." “I’m feeling sad.” “I’m feeling frustrated.” "I'm feeling angry." etc.
2. Try to identify your thoughts and how they're precipitating your feelings (e.g., “I’ve been thinking about what he said to me—and I’m feeling angry.”) This process will give you back a sense of control.
3. Accept that feelings are not right or wrong; they just are. It's been said that when one denies their feelings, they deny the truth.
4. After labeling a feeling, consciously slow down and think before you act; make goal-directed choices.
5. Realize that you can choose your focus—what you think about. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."—Dr. Viktor E. Frankl
6. If you find yourself thinking repetitively about something that is causing you emotional discomfort (i.e., ruminating), identify the thought and dismiss it (e.g., “Stop it. This is not productive.”)
7. Know that it’s okay not to be okay during challenges and change. Allow yourself to experience normal reactions in the face of an atypical or abnormal event.
8. If you are grappling with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, change what you're doing (e.g., Take a walk. Exercise. Listen to music. Read. Watch a documentary. Speak with a friend or loved one, etc.)
9. Speak with people with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings—people who listen more than they speak. Rely on genuine interpersonal face-to-face communication.
10. Have the benefit of speaking with a mental health counselor or therapist.
11. Explore how chatbots and virtual therapists can be a helpful adjunct to mental health care.
12. Strive to become the person you would ideally like to be!
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