Mindfulness #MentalHealthMay

In the final week of #MentalHealthMay, I would like to talk about Mindfulness. This is a very important topic and is tied to everyday life as well as our personality.

Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Zen master and mindfulness expert, observes, "Mindfulness is the energy that helps us recognize the conditions of happiness that are already present in our lives."

It is as simple as it sounds. Mindfulness is just about being in the here and now without distractions or judgments. It is a state of intense focus that allows us to experience life fully and connect with the world on a deeper level.

Mindfulness is not merely an isolated activity that involves meditation or breathing techniques alone. It is a way of life. It is about bringing awareness, presence, and intentionality to every aspect of our lives, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

Whether we're eating a meal, engaging in conversation, or simply walking down the street, mindfulness invites us to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment with openness and curiosity.

When you start practicing mindfulness, remember to be kind to yourself.

It is common to have distractions. Do not be too hard on yourself or give up.

The key is to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to get swept away by worries, to-do lists, and distractions. However, by gently guiding our attention back to the here and now, we can find refuge from the chaos and discover moments of peace and clarity amidst the noise.

A simple technique to get started with mindfulness is ‘breath counting.’

This involves focusing on the breath and counting each inhalation and exhalation. By directing our attention to the rhythmic flow of the breath, we anchor ourselves in the present moment and quiet the mind. The act of counting helps concentrate, allowing us to gently acknowledge and release distracting thoughts without judgment. This also reduces stress by tapping into the body's natural calming response.

Mindfulness is easy to practice, and the key is simply to make a start.

The core principle is gently directing focus to the present moment without judgment. Any method that accomplishes this is a mindfulness technique – it could be found in music, cleaning, drawing, cooking, or observing nature. Simply being present in each activity fosters mindfulness.

Here’s wishing you all a mindful life defined by clarity and calmness.

#PositiveThinking #Happiness #Mindfulness #HereAndNow #MindfulConversations #JananiSrikanth

Gratitude #MentalHealthMay

The selected theme for #MentalHealthMay is “Positive Thinking and Happiness.” To make positivity a constant in your life, I have identified four topics to feature every Wednesday in May.

This week's topic is “Positive Thinking.”

Positive thinking is a term used by almost everyone, but not everyone gets it right. So, what is Positive Thinking?

Positive thinking implies maintaining an optimistic outlook on life, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and cultivating a mindset that sees opportunities in challenges. To think positively, one must actively choose to dwell on thoughts that uplift and empower rather than those that bring down morale.

Positive thinking isn't about ignoring reality; rather, it's about accepting reality while choosing to approach it with a constructive mindset. It means reframing your challenges and setbacks in a way that encourages growth and learning.

Consider this example: Shweta, a high school student, faces severe anxiety before exams despite her study efforts. She experiences physical symptoms like sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Dismissing her anxiety with "just snap out of it" and "think positive" won't help. Seeking help from a psychologist to address underlying issues and teach coping strategies is crucial. Thinking positive involves efficiently dealing with the underlying issue and addressing it effectively.

To make realistic positivity a constant, I recommend “Gratitude Journaling.”

Each evening, take a few minutes to reflect on your day and identify three good things that happened. These could be small moments of joy, achievements, or acts of kindness you experienced or witnessed. Write down these three good things in a journal or notebook, being specific about what made them positive experiences and how they made you feel. Make it as detailed as possible.

Finally, soak in the positivity. Allow yourself to fully experience the positive emotions associated with your entries.

If you would like a recommendation for a basic gratitude journal #template, please comment or DM me.

Practicing gratitude consistently trains your brain to focus more on the positive aspects of your life, shifting your perspective from negative to positive. Over time, this can help rewire your thinking patterns and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.

#MentalHealthMay #PositiveThinking #SelfAwareness #Relationships #MindfulConversations #JananiSrikanth #MentalHealth

Relationships #MentalHealthMay

Human relationships encompass the connections we form with others, ranging from family members and friends to colleagues and acquaintances. These relationships fulfil our innate need for social interaction, belonging, and support.

Research consistently demonstrates that strong social connections are crucial for emotional well-being and overall health. Positive relationships contribute to increased happiness, reduced stress levels, and enhanced resilience in the face of challenges.

In the context of relationships, your romantic relationship constitutes one of the crucial aspects influencing the positivity and happiness in your life. This is one of the most researched and discussed topics in psychology where everyone has an opinion on love language, couple goals, and red flags to look out for.

A relationship is highly personal and is defined essentially by the ideals and values of the couple. Anyone outside the relationship cannot have an opinion or influence on the dynamics. If you are in a relationship or considering a potential partner, I would suggest you take the help of a qualified psychological counsellor who specializes in pre-marital and marital counselling.

I have addressed this topic in my novel “Taste of Fate” through my protagonist Maya is a relationship expert. 

In the words of my protagonist Maya from “Taste of Fate” (Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CWLQJCZT) – “The essence of a successful relationship lies not just in finding love but also in being capable of accepting it. It requires vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to let someone see the unfiltered, authentic version of yourself. A healthy relationship is a dynamic exchange, a continuous give-and-take where both partners contribute to the growth and well-being of the union.”

To cultivate and nurture positive relationships, it's essential to prioritize communication, empathy, and mutual respect. One effective tip to make this a habit is to practice ACTIVE LISTENING. 

How do we practice this? 

It is simple. Instead of simply waiting for your turn to speak, make a conscious effort to listen attentively to others, seeking to understand their perspectives and emotions. By demonstrating genuine interest and empathy in conversations, you can strengthen your connections and foster a supportive and uplifting social network.

When we feel understood, valued, and accepted by others, we experience a sense of belonging and connection that enriches our lives. Moreover, meaningful relationships offer opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and shared experiences that add depth and meaning to our existence. 

Here’s to relationships defining happiness and meaning in our lives.

 

Self-Awareness #MentalHealthMay

 The selected theme for #MentalHealthMay is “Positive Thinking and Happiness.”

To make positivity a constant in your life, I identified four topics to feature every Wednesday in May. The first one is SELF-AWARENESS.

Self-awareness is the ability to reflect and understand one's own thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. It helps one be aware of their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. Developing self-awareness is the basic foundation in your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. 

Seek guidance from a psychologist or life coach for expert assistance. While personal experiences shape opinions on subjects like psychology or philosophy, only qualified experts can offer structured support based on research and diverse perspectives.

These posts are meant to give you an awareness on factors that are addressed in professional sessions and propel you towards a growth-oriented mindset.

Self-Awareness is not simply an exercise of answering the right questions and understanding a little more about yourself. It must become a part of your everyday life and routine. Take a few moments every day consciously to pause and observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This practice helps you become more attuned to your inner experiences and increases self-awareness.

By understanding our emotions and the triggers behind them, we can effectively manage and regulate our responses. This leads to greater emotional stability and resilience, contributing to overall positivity and happiness. I personally recommend Self-awareness to help you identify your values, passions, and authentic selves. This is not a quick fix solution. One needs to dedicate time and effort to stay consistent. If we can dedicate 8 hours of our time to binge watch a limited series on a OTT platform, we should be able to dedicate at least two hours per week to get started.

When we align our actions with our true selves, we experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment, which enhances our overall well-being. When you know what you want, you might just end up getting it in life. Just tune to your inner selves and hear your subconscious cheerleader. One of the simple techniques I would like to help you tune into your inner strength and self-awareness is the “STOP Technique.”

The "STOP" technique is a mindfulness practice designed to help individuals pause and center themselves in moments of stress or overwhelm. By following the acronym, one can effectively interrupt negative thought patterns and regain a sense of control. "STOP" stands for:

S - Stop: Pause whatever you're doing or thinking.

T - Take a breath: Take a deep breath to ground yourself in the present moment.

O - Observe: Notice your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment.

P - Proceed mindfully: Choose your next action consciously, based on a clearer understanding of your internal state and external circumstances.

By incorporating the "STOP" technique into daily life, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation. Whether facing challenges at work, in relationships, or within oneself, this practice empowers individuals to respond with greater clarity, compassion, and effectiveness. A self-aware mind paves the way for greater positivity and happiness in your life.

Here's to being self-aware and chasing your dreams. My next post in this theme will be live next Wednesday. The topic chosen is “healthy Relationships”. Follow @jananisrikanth to stay updated.