You can’t pour from an empty vessel, can you? 

You have been hearing this for what it feels like forever, but have you been actively practising to replenish yourself? In a world, where people are pulled down and constantly put under scrutiny, understanding how the pendulum clock’s harmonic oscillator works in your life; can be challenging. But, if you do not love yourself enough, you are going to incapacitate your heart and your mind in more ways, than what you can probably fathom. So, what are the triggers that you need to identify, and what are a few simple steps that you can take for a better mental well-being? Read on to find out.

1. If you aren’t celebrated for who you are, don’t hold on. 

Being in a situation, where your efforts and your presence isn’t felt, or appreciated- walk away. Doing so might first hurt you, or worse make you want to go back to that space. But, it will later rapture your heart. For, nothing is more substantial than your peace of mind and satisfaction. 

2. Stress Management. 

Understanding why so much of focus is laid on stress management, will aid you in managing your stress better. 

• Stress increases the levels of cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. A  perpetual high cortisol level is linked to insulin resistance and obesity, which can create inflammation in the body, and that furthermore produces cortisol. So, if you do not want to get into that loop- befriend stress management. Moreover, if you are stressed, it will first have a mammoth impact on your emotional well-being, then your physical well-being, your relationships, your ability to think unambiguously, and taking decisions with a clear head. 
• Times are unpredictable, they can never play as planned. But, you need to pause and take things under your control, before they do it. 
• Identify the triggers of stress like deadlines, procrastination, expectations, or ambitions. Then think of the last time that you pampered yourself, or addressed the fact that you have been doing a lot already, and that you need to take a break. Simply put, if you can’t change the situation, change your attitude. And if you can act upon it, don’t sit. Do it but not at the cost of your well-being. 
• Furthermore, if you cannot deal with your stress; look out for help. Talk to a person who would understand- may be a therapist, your parent, your partner, your sibling, or your best friend. Just address the feeling of not doing fine and take tailored steps. 

3. Workout. 

When you don’t feel too well mentally, you might just want to curl up and hibernate till it’s over, but who can guarantee the end of feeling unwell, until taken proper, heartful steps? So, think of working out as a step towards feeling fine. You can include basic yoga, running, cycling, playing outdoors, dancing, or indulging into an intensive sweat session- to combat the adrenaline rush. 

4. Spend time with yourself. 

Nothing can counteract the benefits of nurturing your inner self. Even on the hardest and the busiest of days- make time for yourself. Take up any activity that makes you feel connected to your soul like- painting, cooking, shooting, reading, watching movies or listening to music. Incorporate meditation, and deep breathing techniques to calm your mind down. Do not get caught up in the dilly-dallying of your life so much, that you do not show yourself the care that you deserve. 

5. Time management.

If you do not manage your time efficiently, you might end up feeling stressed again. Do not take up more projects or work than what you can handle, learn to say a no, when you think you aren’t comfortable, or are over-worked, schedule your day to know what your it looks like, set priorities, delegate tasks, seek help from people, and take one thing, and one day at a time. Enough of considering humans as superhumans, for this thought is yet another reason to feel overwhelmed. 

6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

There is no negotiation when it comes to keeping yourself healthy. Be mindful of what goes in your gut, cut back on the intake of stimulants like caffeine and tea, have a sound sleep of 7-8 hours, reduce having refined foods, do not binge eat, stay well-hydrated, and do not give in to a sedentary lifestyle. Remember, your today decides your tomorrow. And you better be mindful of what it looks like. 

7. Practice 4 A’s- Avoid, Alter, Adapt, and Accept. 

• Avoid people who cause you stress, underestimate you, or do not give any credits to you- defining your boundaries with everyone and every situation is important.
• Alter, so that you can reinforce and not get doomed and gloomy at the end of the day. 
• Adapt to what life has given you, instead of getting anxious about what you want. As, all that you can do is to work on your dreams endlessly, while practicing gratitude for everything that you have. 
• Accept your shortcomings and learn to embrace them for they are yours. 

FootNote: 

Working your way for your health, is what you decide. Do not let anyone else tell you that otherwise. Few quick fixes that you can do to feel a little better are- take deep breaths, put on your favourite music and dance to the beats, smell your favourite perfume, or lit a scented candle, take a look back at your favourite memory, via a photo or a video, or just spend time with the ones that make you feel elated. World Mental Health Day is marked for an awakening towards a better tomorrow emotionally, and while you can- make it count.