health and safety: To be mentally stronger

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

To be mentally stronger

BT gives you simple day-to-day pointers that could help you in your pursuit of peace and happiness

DR KANAN KHATAU CHIKHAL

With the rise of mental illness in the city, anxiety, depressions, panic attacks, suicides, schizophrenia, low self-esteem are our new found best friends. In the rat race of science and technology, where we have to prove our productiveness, we have proudly forgotten to be humans — something that we are all born with.
    We tend to blame our family, friends, peers, superiors to be the cause of stress in our health. But how many people will you blame? The list just goes on. Ever thought of looking within?
    All of us are in the pursuit of peace and happiness… but somewhere along the line, trying to strike a balance between the social, spiritual, economic and mental aspects of our lives is a learning and growing process forever.
    Lack of a stoic balance makes us feel like an emotional 'Tarzan' swinging from one end to another. We experience a sense of unpredictability and instability.
    Moreover, for some of us who are unable to call the 'shots', life may almost be like a puppet in the hands of the other. Creating a balance in the core of our lives is somehow the essence of having a strong foundation.
    Here are a few simple day to day pointers and tips that could help you 'live and see the brighter colours of your mind'.
Mind your mind: Get into the habit of introspection and look within. Have you acted out of proportion to a situation or not expressed yourself ? Practicing introspection on a regular basis will make you more aware of who you really are.
Are you able to live in the NOW? Life is a mystery — a box of chocolates you will never know which one you get! It is with this realisation that clarity comes in and your life improves.
Relax unwind: If too much work is weighing you down, learn to say to yourself, 'I have had enough for the day'. Listen to music, watch a film and meditate. Taking ten minutes out of your busy office schedule to do something you enjoy may destress you.
Meditate: Make meditation a ritual like you brush your teeth, it is essential to feel the space within. Our mind is clogged with thoughts, actions, words, emotions leaving no room for silence and the emptiness within. Meditation helps in getting touch with the silence within.
Accept yourself: We are all different human beings, individual in our own nature. The only thing that is common to all of us is that 'we aren't perfect'. So, don't judge yourself or anybody else.
Be a part: Be a part of a club, a course, or a non-profit organisation. Look around, you will find a lot to do. Not only will you feel better but you will benefit from supporting others too.
Keep in touch… 'untouchability' is a crime: If you are going through a difficult time like a messy divorce, a bad month at work, or just a painful experience, you don't need to pretend to be strong and put up with it alone. Friends are essential at this time so remember to keep in touch.
Feel oneness with Mother Nature: Go on a nature trail, making your own road will give you confidence and make you feel free. A simple act like watching a bird or a butterfly can bring an immense sense of relaxation.
Do something creative: Start a hobby. It will help you when
you are anxious or low by increasing your confidence. It could be writing a poem, learning a dance, cooking, gardening. Experiment and find your forte. Step it up! Regular exercises in the form of a sport you enjoy like swimming, walking, dancing, and cycling may be a lot of hard work but are surely worth the effort. Not only are they good for the physical body but mentally they release hormones that help you feel positive.
Feed your mind: Having a balanced diet not only fills your physical body with the right nutrients and energy but the food you eat affects the moods you feel. The simple key is to eat regularly every two to three hours and have a good proportion of fruits, nuts and vegetables everyday. Zzz…: Clocking in the zzzs…is an essential part of keeping your mind healthy.
Talkety talk: Our problems tend to overwhelm us and push us into our shell. It may always help to confide in a friend you trust and let the steam off. The friend may in fact give you a third person's perspective which may not have occurred to you earlier.
Lean on… support: The truth is if you are physically sick, you normally very readily run to a doctor for help but somehow the embarrassment creeps in when you may have to ask for help for your mental health. You tend to perceive it as a sign of weakness. On the contrary it is only a sign of personal strength. Everyone needs strength from time to time and honestly there is nothing wrong in asking for it.
Value yourself!: The feeling of being valuable — 'I am a valuable person is essential to mental health and is a cornerstone of self discipline': (Scott Peck).
    For only after you realise this will you allow love, joy and peace to flourish in your life! (The writer is a clinical psychologist and counsellor)