But, mental and emotional health are equally critical components in this regard. In an earlier era where the world was plagued with wars, famines, and epidemics, there was greater emphasis on physical health. However, in today’s era, it is mental health, which is a rising concern given the fast-paced and stressful lives that we are leading. The worrisome part is that mental health is not easily discernible and hence often ignored or overlooked.
Taking care of your mental health is as important as working on your physical health. So, here are some pointers to help you get started:
• Have a routine: A routine helps you save energy on thinking about daily tasks. It is advisable to spend time devising an effective routine and then following it diligently. Over time, you get habituated to it. This has a positive impact on your mental health as it makes you feel sorted and in control of your life.
• Eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, and get quality sleep time. All three are important contributors to mental health and should be consciously attended to. When you eat or even drink water, give it your time and attention. Take this time, however short, to mentally disconnect from whatever it is that you are doing. This will not just help your body absorb the elements better but also give your mind a much-needed break. At bedtime, disconnect from work, screens, and gadgets and allow your system to wind down slowly and enter a state of deep restful sleep.
• Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise and physical activity increase the flow of blood to the brain and release ‘happy hormones’. If you are feeling stressed, it is a good idea to engage in some physical activity that you enjoy, like running, dancing, swimming, or going for a stroll. You will surely notice a positive change in your mood.
• Practice meditation. Navigating a world of excessive information and stimuli often takes a toll on our brain. Plus, the amount of multitasking we try to do can lead to a brain overload. The brain then struggles to focus and function optimally. Regular meditation helps relax the brain, calm the nerves, and improve focus. Try to practice meditation every day, starting with just 15 minutes. Guided meditations available on the internet can be of great help for beginners.
• Do things that you enjoy. Engage in leisure activities, pursue hobbies, rekindle old passions, learn a new skill, contribute to society, etc.—anything that makes you feel happy and relaxed. This also helps achieve a sense of meaning or purpose in life apart from our duties towards our family. This sense of fulfillment contributes greatly to your psychological and mental well-being.
• Practice daily gratitude. Take 10 minutes before bedtime to list a minimum of 10 things about the day that you are grateful for. Practicing gratitude helps us acknowledge and appreciate the good things in our lives. We often take for granted the important elements of life like the freedom we enjoy, the easy availability of essentials like clean water, ample food, good clothes, advanced medical facilities, or the luxury of technology. Expressing daily gratitude helps us realise our blessings and divert our mind from the negative to the positive aspects of life.
• Connect with family, friends, and people in the real world. Take a break from social media, where you are connected to a wider audience but the relationships lack the depth of love, care, and understanding. Foster meaningful and deep-rooted connections, even if few, for a more fulfilling and long life. Plan dinners and outings, participate in social events, and make that call instead of messaging. Being socially active goes a long way in contributing to mental health and well-being.
In an era of rising mental health concerns, it is important to be vigilant and seek professional help if you experience severe or distressing mental health issues for an extended period of time. Share your concerns with your family and reach out to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Be kind to your mind.
