Much like food, or water, or shelter, there are multiple other things that we need, not only to survive, but to make surviving bearable. Recognizing that needs go beyond physical needs and that the quality of life is as important, if not more, than longevity is one of the biggest steps you can take for yourself to make the most out of your life.

Emotional needs are one of the most essential other than physical needs. These are the feelings, emotions, conditions that we need to feel happy, content, or at peace. Lacking these, we could be feeling hurt, sad, dissatisfied.

A big example of an emotional need is our need for appreciation and attention. Getting attention and appreciation from people who matter to us and giving them attention and appreciation as well gives us a sense of fulfillment, connection, and joy. More importantly, giving yourself this is also as valuable, if not more. One way to maintain this is to make quality time with your loved ones one of your priorities. This takes effort and time but, in the end, prove to be worth it. Another is to, of course, set aside some time for self-care. Give yourself a breather.

Another example is our need for love and support. In everything we do, in every aspect of our lives, knowing that someone loves us and supports us makes it much more worthwhile. Knowing that we have people rooting for us and wishing for us to succeed makes it easier to work harder. We must appreciate the people around us, acknowledge those who stand by us and hold our hands when we need them. Show them the love and support that they shower us. That way, they’ll know that we see their efforts and feel loved as well.

We can be on the strictest workout regimen, the best diet, and cleanest lifestyle; but if we don’t take care of our emotional health, we may live long but not as well as we think we would. Fulfilling our emotional needs do more that make us feel better. They ensure that, regardless of how long we live, we live with quality.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON:

Thinking

Are you actively thinking about what you need in life, not only physically, to experience joy and satisfaction
Are you thinking of all the positive things that satisfy your emotional needs
Do you think about how you can further satisfy these needs and maintain them

Talk – New Language

Are you actively expressing the how you feel?
Do you speak of all the good and positive things that make you feel good and name the things that you like?
Are you continuously telling yourself and reminding yourself to own up to your feelings and emotions?

Behaviour

Do you actively participate in behaviour that satisfy your emotional needs?
Do you focus on positive behaviours that satisfy your emotional needs?
Do you focus on behaviours that ensures the the satisfaction your emotional needs?

Relationships & Contribution