Mindful Strategies for a Healthier Mind and Life

Hi everyone,

I’m not one to preach about how to live, and I firmly believe that learning is a continuous process. Before I go on, I’d like to mention that I’m not a certified mental health counselor, but with World Mental Health Day's passing, I felt inspired to share some practices that have helped me maintain good mental health. Life can throw us into challenging circumstances, and I hope these insights resonate with anyone going through a tough time.

The points I’m about to share aren’t all my own; some come from books I’ve read, while others are wisdom shared by close friends or my counselor. Feel free to take what resonates with you and leave anything that doesn’t. My hope is that something here might help you navigate your journey a little easier.

• Success is a Journey, Not a Destination: Success is not a final destination; it’s a continuous process. Think of it like running a marathon—water stations along the route provide the hydration and energy needed to keep going. Success serves the same purpose: a moment to recharge and propel you further along your path. So, don’t get too comfortable—keep moving forward!
• Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, the opposition may seem overwhelming or even frustrating. Knowing when to step back isn’t a sign of weakness; it can be one of your most vital decisions. If a struggle drains you emotionally and the reward isn’t worth it, it’s okay to walk away. I’ve seen people win battles but lose precious parts of themselves in the process. In your pursuit of silver, don’t forget the value of gold.
• Control Your Response: You can’t control the wind but can adjust your sails. Life will throw challenges your way, but how you respond matters most. Always separate your feelings from your actions—your feelings are valid, but how you act is what counts. Feeling jealous or sad is human, but letting those feelings drive harmful actions is not.
• Establish Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your well-being. It’s important to protect your energy and ensure that your relationships are healthy and mutually beneficial. Healthy boundaries allow you to invest time and effort in what truly matters. Say "NO" when needed.
• Ask for Help: Remember, asking for help is not giving up; it’s a refusal to give up. Seeking support when you need it shows strength and self-awareness. Collaboration can lead to greater resilience and success.

• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Distance yourself from those who act like victims in situations they’ve created. Instead, invest your time in relationships, focusing on a shared future rather than a shared past.
• The Power of Forgiveness: One of the greatest marks of maturity is the ability to forgive. Forgive not because others deserve it but because your soul needs peace. When you let go of grudges, you align your heart and mind. Remember, you can forgive but never forget—use your past as a reference, not a blueprint.

I don’t read my book backwards. I believe you go forward in your chapters," Priyanka said on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast

• Trust Your Journey: You are neither late nor early, neither slow nor fast. You are exactly where you need to be at this moment. Trust yourself and resist the urge to compare your path to others.
• Practice Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Reflecting on your thoughts and feelings can help you gain clarity and reduce stress. Whether through journaling, meditation or simply pausing to breathe, practicing mindfulness can ground you in the present and help you better understand your emotions.
• Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly practicing gratitude can shift your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to appreciating what you have. Even during tough times, finding small things to be grateful for can improve your mental well-being and offer a new perspective on challenges.

Thanks for reading,

Vijay