Embracing Mental Wellness

Shubhangi Mukherjee, Psychologist

In today’s ever-changing times and materialistic world, ‘resting’ is considered a ‘sin’.

We feel incredibly guilty the moment we decide to take a break from our daily chaotic

chores. We have become so accustomed to the ‘hustle culture’ that we have

completely ignored that our bodies and minds need some leisure time too.​​ It’s often said

that an idle mind is a devil’s workshop and we have accepted that phrase to such a

level that taking a break has a negative connotation.

In this race, our mental wellness has taken a back seat. A lot of us experience the

Following:-

● Overwhelmed with a task at hand

● Palpitations and anxiety

● Low mood

● Struggling to have healthy boundaries in relationships

● Lack of motivation to get through the day

● Difficulty adjusting to new roles and responsibilities

● Poor intrapersonal & interpersonal relationships

● Inability to have a healthy work-life balance

The list is endless. Yet we tend to b rush it under our carpets and resume our day-to-day

functioning. We don’t feel the need to pay close attention to it because, in the beginning,

it seems harmless. It’s only when things go out of hand and there is no alternate option

left other than seeking professional help, is when it hits us.

We start pondering upon the ways in which we could have prevented these from

aggravating but at that juncture, we aren’t left with many options.

However, all these can be prevented from going haywire. And the good part is that we

just need to make very minute changes in our lifestyle to achieve mental wellness.

It’s neither too taxing nor do we require any special equipment.

Some suggestions that we all can incorporate into our daily lives are:-

● A walk in nature

● Including physical exercise in your routine

● Meditation or relaxation breathing exercises

● Practicing mindfulness, i.e. focusing on the here and now

● Don’t skimp on sleep

● Journaling your thoughts

● Limiting your screen-time

● Indulging in your hobbies

● Spending quality time with loved ones

● Practicing gratitude

‘Realize the choices you make, make mental health a priority.’