Emotional fitness

What is emotional fitness? Well, it's really about our ability to recognize what each of our emotions are telling us, as well as being comfortable with all of our emotions and those of others. Dr. Anderson's premise is that emotional fitness is an important factor in weight control because so many of us eat, not only when we are hungry, but also when we do not recognize our emotions for what they are. The following "checklist" is excerpted from "Fat and Emotional Fitness":

An Emotionally Fit Person... 1. Knows how she/he feels at any given moment and can give that feeling a name. Such as angry, sad, happy, frustrated, joyful, excited, afraid and hurt. 2. Can and does communicate those feelings to at least one other person daily. 3. Can "be with" her/his intense feelings without having to act them out. To act out means to allow the feeling to dictate emotion driven action such as overeating or any addictive behavior, striking out at others or becoming self-destructive. 4. Understands that emotions, including intense emotions, are a normal part of life. 5. Does not make any emotion a forbidden emotion, even sexual feelings, sadness, fear and anger. 6. Can hear, accept and "be with" the emotions of others, even if they are sometimes intense, without judging them. 7. Understands that emotions, properly experienced, accepted and managed, contribute to one's quality of life. 8. Understands that chronic, extremely intense emotions are related to past wounds and traumas and need attention and deeper exploration, possibly with a professional. The very emotionally fit person will get the help she/he needs.

From Dr. Anderson's list, I can see that not being "in tune" with one's emotions would cause all kinds of unsavory behaviors and overeating can be very self destructive. What about taking this idea to other addictive or self destructive behaviors in particular exercise addiction?

Like overeating, over exercising is a socially accepted addiction. In other words, on the surface it appears to be a good thing. Also, it seems like only the person engaged in the behavior is affected by it. However, if you have ever been involved with someone with an addiction or self destructive behavior of any kind, you know that friends, family members and work colleagues are all affected in one way or the other.

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