Mental health matters: Strategies for building a fulfilling life

WHO (World health organization) defines health as a statement of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
While most of us are mindful of our physical health, mental health and mental health issues is still an area which is often dismissed, ignored or even treated as a taboo topic.
Mental health and taking care of it matters immensely as it influences the way we think (thought), the way we feel ( emotions ) and the way we behave and react and also perceive the world around us. Good mental health helps us to live successful, fulfilling lives in our personal, professional and social realms. Mental health issues can lead to emotional distress, socio occupational dysfunction, relationship issues and poorer quality of life.
Hence it imperative to take care of your mental health because it is one of the key factors in leading a fulfilling life.
A fulfilling life doesn’t just happen. It has to be created. Building a fulfilling life involves making intentional choices for personal and professional growth and development, maintaining a balance (as far as possible) between personal and professional life, developing positive and healthy habits and doing them consistently and developing meaningful connections and having meaningful experiences.
Some steps to do so are
1. Introspection and clarity
Reflect on what truly matters to you/ drives you. What are your core ideals, values? What adds meaning and purpose to your life?
Once you figure that out Try to inculcate achievement of these in your day to day life. Align your lifestyle to the achievement of purpose and meaning.
2. Success and happiness and personal fulfilment
The world has different parameters for this, but all of these mean different to different people on an individual level. Set achievable, realistic goals on a short term and long term basis which will you achieve these- goals which are in congruence with your belief and value system. Then work hard and consistently to achieve it. If the goals seem too overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks and the go about doing them, 1 step at a time. Maintain a track of your progress.
3. Make your health a priority not merely a goal
Regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management and mindfulness, rest, sleep and relaxation – all help in improve their of physical and mental health. Make this a part of your day to day activities. This will not just add to your longevity and also improve the quality of your life.
3. Focus on relationships
Cultivate and foster deep meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community. Invest time and effort in developing, deepening and maintaining them. Social support systems are integral to mental and emotional wellbeing.
4. Growth mind-set
Face challenges, learn and move on from failures and always aim at growth – personally and professionally. This helps us cope, adapt, develop resilience to face the Vagaries of life.
Consider challenges as opportunities and face them instead of fearing them. If mistakes are made along the way, which they inadvertently will, don’t beat yourself up for them. Learn from them and do better next time. Embrace a curiosity mind-set towards life and new things and experiences. We are lifelong learners. Learning new skills and hobbies is always an enriching experience.
5. Engage in meaningful activities and experiences
Do things that give you a sense of joy, accomplishment and fulfilment. It can be at a professional or personal level- work, hobbies, altruistic activities, creative activities. They add new meaning and purpose to life.
6. Attitude of gratitude
Be grateful for all the things that you have. Be aware of your privilege. Daily gratitude practices will lead to a happy, contented life. Try to maintain a positive, yet realistic mind-set while facing life’s adversities. Usually things are not as bad as we imagine them to be. And trust your strength, your resilience, your support systems to help you tide through tough times.
Focus on what you can control in the present instead of ruminating about the past and worrying about the future.
7. Work life balance
Create a work life balance while giving importance to rest, relaxation, hobbies, self-care.
Do not over commit, overwork. Learn to set boundaries and say NO. Cultivate supportive relationships in the work space which will make your work life easier. Work is an integral part of life- don’t let it hijack your entire life. Mindfully schedule time for rest, relaxation .
8. Self-compassion and self-acceptance
Be kind and compassionate towards others, but begin this process at home. We are often much harsher towards ourselves than we are towards our loved ones.
Understand that you are only human. You have your strengths and your flaws and it’s ok. You are good enough as you are. Work on being a better version of yourself every day without judging yourself harshly for any mistakes, failures or flaws. Just learn and move on. Do better next time around. This improves emotional resilience and helps you to bounce back quickly from the pitfalls of life.
9. Pay it forward
Be aware and grateful of all that you have and give back to the community through volunteer work, contributions – which are within your capacity. Acts of kindness can be small or big. Practicing them on a day to day basis adds fulfilment to life.
A fulfilling life doesn’t appear. It’s created. Building a fulfilling life is a process which involves introspection, goals, growth, making healthy choices, gratitude and always striving towards your personal fulfilment and happiness.
Dr. Aparna Ramakrishnan, Consultant, Psychiatry, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai