With the growing influence of social media and Artificial Intelligence in our lives, it has become increasingly important for us to not just talk about or be aware of mental health or to just have a good work-life balance but to also perform daily activities or simply let's say 'workout' for improving our mental health.
Yes, in this enormously fast paced and transforming life, it is our moral duty to help each other to realize the importance of human birth and to improve the overall mental health of the society at large.
10th October is World Mental Health Day, and, like every year, we will see a large number of events and social media messages to promote mental health concerns. However, the objective of recognizing this important day as declared by the World Health Organization will not be fulfilled unless each one of us pledges to upgrade our lives by adopting simple strategies/ workout for improving mental health just as one provides food to their body, takes care of their physical body by exercising and so on.
With the intention to plant a seed in your mind to take care of your mental health not just occasionally but on a daily basis, Sthitapragya Diaries recommends its readers to implement the below 5G workout strategy as part of one’s daily routine:
1. God’s words
We all are aware of the magnet’s attraction properties due to which it holds objects made of iron and steel. Similarly, when you recite spiritual mantras or spiritual scriptures or simply God's words, you will notice that there is a magnet within these mantras and scriptures that will not only attract you but also transform and elevate your mind, body and soul leading to an overall enhanced mental health. If you have time to spend hours watching unnecessary and unproductive reels or other social media content, you definitely have time to read or listen to God’s words daily from the scriptures. Atleast 15 to 30 minutes of your time spent daily in reading or listening to God’s words will not only calm you and guide you for improving your living but will also encourage you to give your best in everything you do. Therefore, as you eat food several times daily, read or listen to God's words daily as this workout strategy is extremely crucial for improving mental health.
2. Goals
Have you seen any pilot taking off the flight without knowing where the flight is scheduled to arrive at; or anyone studying without knowing the subject or topic of study; or anyone working in any company without having assigned scope/duties/responsibilities? But many of us spend our entire lives without identifying our goals and our purpose of living and thereby misuse our human birth.
“Goals can do wonders for your mental health,” says Rebecka Warren, Clinic Manager at Centerstone, “The hope is that they can add more happiness in your life and alleviate whatever struggles you might be going through."
Please note that doing daily chores should not be misunderstood as one’s goals. They are part of one’s duties. A goal is something that gives you an opportunity to do more than your daily routine and encourages you to become a better person. For example, earning money for your living is not your goal (it is your duty), however, saving a minimum amount every month is your finance related goal. Therefore, one should have clearly identified goals in each of their areas of life, that is, family, finance, career, health, mental health, passion activities and so on. Spending time daily on achieving the goals identified will result in enhanced mental health due to the satisfaction and happiness that one experiences on reaching each milestone towards fulfilling the goals set.
3. Glow
A person is said to be glowing in real terms when he/she learns to laugh and appreciate life no matter what circumstances or challenges are being faced by that person. Research says that laughter therapy is a kind of cognitive-behavioral therapies that could make physical, psychological, and social relationships healthy, ultimately improving the quality of life. Laughter therapy has a positive effect on the mental health and the immune system.
According to research conducted by Mental Health Association in Delaware, “Emotions, negative or positive, are normal reactions to have to varying situations, but shouldn’t become so overwhelming or get in the way of everyday activities, relationships, etc. While negative emotions are bound to happen, learning how to manage them in a healthy way can contribute to better emotional resilience and mental health.”
According to Mental Style Project, "Glowing up is more than just improving your physical appearance; it’s a holistic transformation encompassing your mental, emotional, and social well-being. The concept is about becoming the best version of yourself, both inside and out."
4. Grow
No matter what one’s age is one should not stop growing. One of the easiest activities that one can do to grow is to read, whether it is related to education or passion or something inspiring. Research says that reading improves your mental health and wellbeing undoubtedly. You can use ChatGPT or any search engine to know about the endless benefits of reading. As highlighted above, if you have time to spend on watching unproductive social media content or talk about unnecessary matters or things, you definitely have time to read and grow. Rather than associating or getting attached to social media or other time killers, read a book, join some classes to learn something new or read about new concepts/ topics online. One can find books and reading materials online and offline on variety of topics. Feed your soul and mind with useful and inspiring content and enhance your mental health. Encourage yourselves to spend time in activities that will help you grow in real terms.
5. Give
We all are running in this enormously fast paced life and have filled our minds with the desire of getting something or the other. As such, one merely performs all the activities with the intention to receive some benefit from the society and, as a result of this never fulfilling desire, one’s mental health suffers to the maximum. Therefore, we need to replace the thoughts in our mind with the desire to serve rather than to receive or get. We all would have heard the word ‘Seva’ which simply means selfless service, that is, a practice that asks us to serve without any expectation of outcome.
When one’s activities and duties are performed solely with the intention to serve rather than to get/receive something (even though one may receive money or love as by-product for the activities performed), one’s life is elevated resulting into a joyful living day by day. The simple step of changing one’s mindset to thinking that all the activities and duties are to be performed as Seva (or contribution or giving back) to the society advances one to another level of mental health and content living.
Have you asked any soldier what is his/her goal or purpose? The answer will definitely not be that they want to win this battle or something else. The answer that a soldier will give is that his/her only purpose in life is to serve his/her nation.
Let’s join together and celebrate 'World Mental Health Day' this year by pledging to adopt the above 5G Workout Strategy in our daily routines and also share and educate as many human beings as possible to improve their mental health by adopting these strategies. Thereby serving the society at large.
Comments