Mental Health is definitely a trending topic of the century because of the rapid lifestyle changes.
HOW?
As humans, we are made up of the 5 natural elements of the universe hence making us a part of nature/universe. From the beginning of the human race, we are adaptable to 'n' number of natural topographies and it's behavior (because we are a direct product of mother nature).
Fast forward to the time of the 'Advance Technological era', when as humans we were pretty surprised and amazed to experience something extraordinary, something which is not a direct product of nature yet is making our lives heavenly comfortable.
Here I am mentioning the time when technology became much easier to handle and carry, the time when telephones were being replaced with cell phones.
It was a pretty exciting change for everyone but as most of us have heard "Every Good Thing Has Its Flip Side", and if not taken control upon then it might overtake us. Which sadly is happening now. Its direct impact is upon our mental state of being.
TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN HEALTH
For now, I will not dive deeper into this topic but will just keep things light and precise. Even though technology has a major positive impact on people, it's usage in general, especially the use of the internet has been linked with the developing risk of mental issues like anxiety and depression.
This is specifically found to be true among the younger age group (13-30). Studies have shown that young internet users notice other people's 'often filtered' lifestyle which portrays the above-average material possessions, so-called 'cool' behavior, trending lifestyle patterns which unknowingly make them get into the trap of comparison, and often this 'game of comparison' takes place out of regret, guilt, feeling of emptiness and FOMO (fear of missing out).
Over time it not only influences the mental and emotional wellbeing of an individual but also builds up issues related to physical wellbeing like - "Body Shaming", "Insecurities regarding one's physical structure", "Socio-Economic background" and whatnot.
We definitely can't stop the role of technology (in fact none of us wants that to happen, right?) as our everyday life is somewhat dependent on it but can certainly change our perspective and mold our lifestyle in a way that not only will benefit our economic and social role but will also help us to keep a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
WAYS TO KEEP MENTAL HEALTH ON POINT
In no way, I am a mass communication and journalism student/certified doctor, but being a person who had personally battled with anxiety and depression for a period of 2-3 years, I can guarantee you with these tips/methods/habits. These methods are not just for those who want to balance their mental, emotional, and physical health but for anyone who is willing to create a balanced lifestyle.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
As living entities, we are naturally drawn towards nature and her sources for our upliftment and not towards technology and its various aspects. It might not always be possible for everyone to go to a forest or a water body but that's the power of mother nature, she always finds her way to reach us.
Taking a warm/cold relaxing shower can be a great way to get connected to the 'water' element of nature.
Lighting a candle/born fire and gazing it, feeling its heat is another way to get connected to the 'fire' element of nature.
Spending a few minutes or an hour outside in the morning or going for an evening walk is a really effective way to feel the energy of 'air'.
Walking barefoot on grass or spending time sitting near house plants is a way to connect with the 'earth (soil)' element of nature.
INDULGE IN MINDFUL ACTIVITIES
Practicing daily mindfulness has nothing to do with giving up your daily life and activities. All it means is to take a few minutes or hours (according to one's personal interest and time) to slow down and become aware of the present moment and self.
I have written an article on mindful habits that one can practice on a daily basis. https://www.vishuwix.com/post/mindfulness
AROMATHERAPY
It is a technique used for centuries that is based on using essential oils to improve the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual state. The reason it is so beneficial is that it works by stimulating the smell receptors in the nose. This helps to send signals through our nervous system to the limbic system ( the part of the brain that controls emotions). It is not at all a thing of luxurious/glamorous lifestyle as presented in today's time rather an extremely simple and easy method for relaxing and improving health in the long run.
Some of the essential oils which are beneficial for mental health :
Lavender
Wild Orange
Rosemary
Chamomile
Digital Detox
Talking about technology and not discussing the importance of digital break will not do justice to anyone. Even if for many of us online content is the new entertainment source but we all need to take a break more often just to give our eyes and mind the required rest. This can be done in many ways.
Create a daily schedule and plan out a specific time to indulge in checking up with messages, for online surfing, etc.
Try to have one day off from the online world, and here it's not just social media but it includes everything from your Netflix to your news channels ( trust me, the world will not change in one day).
If one day feels too much for the starters pack then make sure not to expose your mind to the virtual reality first thing in the morning (at least for an hour or two) and before going to bed.
TALK TO SOMEONE
Here is an important fact - not everyone you think (or actually) you are close to are meant to have a heart to heart conversation with.
There will be certainly one or two people whom you will feel like home, a safe space to open up. Yes, it might take some work to find that person/s but trust me you will find him/her. And the possibility is that you already know that someone, so go forth and have a heart to heart conversation as many times as possible.
"THERE ARE MANY PATHS FOR HEALING ONESELF BUT YOU WILL ONLY SUCCEED IF YOU HAVE FULL FAITH, PATIENCE AND TIME FOR YOURSELF"
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