Have you ever thought of maintaining mental hygiene or has someone close to you suffered from anxiety, depression, stress, neurological problems etc. anytime in your life?
We hear a lot about it nowadays. Even a 6-year-old kid is using stress and depressed word very often.
Almost all the clients I talk to, everybody mentions that they have varying degrees of anxiety. Everyone talks about how anxious they get over small things. How stress has occupied their every aspect of life.
We have the best healthcare available, but we are still behind in managing our mental health.
Statistics show that 1 in 6 adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.
5.8% of the adult population in Singapore has suffered from depression at some point in their lives
51% of mental illness patients suffer from a chronic physical illness because there is a link between the two.
Yes, physical and mental health is interconnected. The physical illness causes mental disturbance. It affects confidence and energy. Also, mental illness affects the physical body. When it affects the physical body, these diseases are called psychosomatic ailments, which means diseases connected with the Mind and body. Which is hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, anxiety and depression, Migraine etc. It is all about empowering oneself with the knowledge to take proper care of health all over. There are many health and wellness websites sharing health-related information. vetted by certified physicians, for example, CFAH which also shares about the latest news in the field of medicine.
Multitasking, peer pressure, overthinking, impatience, fear, and unknown and unexpected outcome causes stress and anxiety.
Do you agree with that?
So positive Mental health is very important to have a balanced, healthy and happy life.
Let’s see, how one single thought is responsible to create an effect on an emotional and physical levels.
A thought creates either negative or positive emotions, which affect the energy level and are visible on the physical body e.g: Angry thought creates fast breathing with muscle tightening. Positive thought brings joy. It affects your actions e.g: If you are angry, you either shout at the person next to you, start throwing things etc. Depending on the pattern of actions, it becomes your habit e.g: Some person is always angry, or frustrated. It becomes their attitude, where we label that person as angry, kind etc. It becomes their nature, which becomes their destiny.
We give energy to thoughts. Actions fairly depend upon what we concentrate on positive or negative thoughts.
Here are a few tips to maintain positive mental hygiene so that it doesn’t become our destiny
Acknowledge
Many times, we are not ready to accept the issues we are going through or what we are dealing with e.g: We don’t accept that you are still thinking about a past event, which is bothering us.
Everyday activities cause stress affecting health, but you think that this is part of life, which I must go through it.
So, acknowledging the problem, it makes easier to find a solution.
You cannot fix a problem that you refuse to acknowledge.
Exercise/Yoga
The body is meant to move, but very often we choose to rest, due to our lifestyle, work conditions etc. Exercise or simple yoga stretching improves blood circulation. It improves cardiovascular health. Yoga improves brain function, structure and connectivity, which helps in improving learning, memory and cognitive functions. It is proven an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD etc.
To keep the body healthy is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear…~ Budha
Meditation
We have thousands of thoughts throughout the day, out of that 85% of thoughts are from the past, 15% of thoughts are related to the future and only 5% are present. So basically 95% of thoughts are repeat thoughts. Meditation helps to reduce these repeated thoughts. It brings awareness and consciousness. It increases the silence space in between thoughts.
The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.
Talk to friends/close ones
Often, we don’t want to be vulnerable to the problems, and issues we are facing. Sometimes, we think that we can deal with it all alone but talking to a friend, just relieves the stress or tension you are holding on to. Sometimes you might get a solution as well.
Talking to your best friend is sometimes all the therapy you need.
Positive Affirmation
Affirmations are autosuggestions. When practised sincerely and consistently, they reinforce chemical pathways in the brain, strengthening neural connections. Affirmations are short, positive and powerful statements about yourself, your abilities, your goals and your intentions. It helps to change the way you think and feel about yourself and as a result, change your reality as your subconscious mind accepts these statements as truth.
An affirmation opens the door. It’s the beginning point on the path to change. ~ Louise HA
Journaling
Journaling is a way to release emotions. It is the healthy way to deal with overwhelming emotions where you can express yourself freely, which helps in managing anxiety, reducing stress and coping up with depression. It also helps to prioritize your activities and be aware of your fears and concerns. It can help to identify the cause of stress and anxiety. So at least write your thoughts once a day.
Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time..~ Mina Murray
In addition to that, you can also
- Spend time in nature regularly
- Take up any hobby and interest like dancing, singing, swimming etc.
- Do some volunteer work
- Maintain daily health routines
Your mental health is more important than the test, the interview, the lunch date, the meeting, the project deadline, the soccer game, or the grocery run. Take care of yourself.
Archana has served the corporate industry for twelve years, she finally decided to give up her corporate career and explore her inner self through Yoga and help people to find their life balance using Yoga as a tool. Her gentle teaching style makes her students at ease and comfortable in the class. She believes that Yoga is a way of life and aims to incorporate all aspects of Yoga into her teaching. She is very enthusiastic about learning new things and new ways, which makes her classes interesting, and focused on mind body and soul wellness.
http://Www.ojasyog.com
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Instagram: ojasyoga0704
Linkedin: Archana Amlapure
Pic credit to BD Hypno Plus
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