This 40-minute podcast on emotional wellness is the second of three episodes exploring emotional wellness, one of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. This podcast part of a 10-episode series exploring how each dimension of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness enhances recovery. In this 20-minute episode, Crystal Lee Brandow, Ph.D., senior project associate at Policy Research Associates, Inc., and Betty Vreeland, registered nurse and yoga instructor, continue their discussion of emotional wellness by discussing how mindfulness impacts other dimensions of wellness. The first podcast on emotional wellness provided a scientific grounding of how mindfulness can support emotional wellness. Emotional wellness pertains to the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional challenges, and cope with stressful life experiences. 

This podcast focuses on mindful eating and how it can impact our eating behaviors and impulses. A mindful approach to food can help with weight management, decreasing the risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure, which are linked to unhealthy eating habits. Because people with behavioral health conditions are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, healthy eating is essential in maintaining healthy choices. Mindful eating can prevent one from overeating and be aware of our food choices. Portion sizes, food choices, and eating frequency can all be influenced by mindful eating practices. 

Some questions Ms. Vreeland encourages individuals to ask themselves as they eat include how the food smells, how hungry they feel, the flavors, and how eating makes them feel. Focusing on the food, the experience of eating, and how one experiences the food can encourage mindful eating practices. Removing distractions and regular practice can make mindful eating easier over time. 

To learn more about emotional wellness, please see our emotional wellness fact sheet. 

Listen to the other episodes in this series: 

This resource was first shared in 2018. 

(Podcast, Soundcloud)