Mental health is one of the most critical aspects of our lives, and yet it often goes neglected. We can all learn to nurture our mental health to stay healthy, happy, and productive. A person’s mental health can significantly impact the quality of their life, including the relationships they form and the opportunities they get to enjoy. Individuals can experience mental health issues for various reasons, from genetics to lifestyle and social conditions. By understanding how these issues interact, individuals can take steps to improve their psychological functioning and manage any distress they may be experiencing. Promoting positive mental health initiatives through education, training, and providing access to resources is integral in helping people achieve better health outcomes. The three pillars that serve as the foundation for developing sound mental health are:
Nurturing Self-Confidence:
Strong self-confidence is essential for success and contentment in life. Cultivating self-confidence is an essential element of good mental health. We usually overestimate our flaws, underestimate our strengths, and ignore our successes, thereby putting ourselves in a dangerous cycle that threatens to erode our confidence levels. Increasing self-confidence requires deliberate effort and focus on creating a balance between acknowledging one’s imperfections and recognising exemplary achievements. Develop an incremental approach to tackling the complex tasks that challenge your self-esteem, moving from the simple to the more complex over time; this will help build positive momentum. Find supportive people around you who can encourage self-belief in your capabilities and potential. Developing healthy coping mechanisms for challenging situations and believing in yourself can nurture self-confidence and protect your mental well-being. It’s essential to believe in yourself and your capabilities, regardless of past failures or disappointments. To build self-confidence, start by recognizing your strengths and taking small steps towards achieving your goals daily.
Emotional Strength:
It can be challenging to remain emotionally balanced when confronted with difficult circumstances or relationship issues. It is critical to identify stressors and express your feelings in a healthy manner in order to develop emotional strength. Additionally, focus on creating meaningful relationships that bring you joy and meaning. Learning how to forgive yourself and others is also essential for emotional well-being. By investing in emotional strength, individuals can leverage their understanding of themselves to handle stressful situations better and emerge from them with a sense of inner stability.
Mindful Living:
Mindful living can be an effective path to improved mental health. This means being present in a given moment and observing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with a non-judgmental attitude. By bringing awareness to the present, we can better understand ourselves, our values, and our choices. Numerous studies have indicated that mindfulness practises such as yoga, walking meditations, and breath work are linked to decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and rumination. Mindful living is an integral part of holistic mental health care that encourages self-love and a compassionate understanding of ourselves. Being present and mindful of the moment is essential for managing stress levels and cultivating inner peace. Practicing mindfulness allows us to view situations objectively instead of getting carried away by our thoughts and emotions. Make time for activities like walking in nature, journaling, or reading something inspiring to maintain focus on the here and now. Making sure your mental health is taken care of should be an ongoing priority, as it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. By balancing these three pillars of mental health, we can create a strong foundation for lasting well-being. Start by incorporating small changes into your daily routine that nurture self-confidence, emotional strength, and mindful living. With regular practice, you will find yourself more resilient in times of difficulty and able to enjoy life’s moments with greater clarity and joy.
Dr Chandni Tugnait, M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist and a Life Coach.