Embrace these mental health practices for a happier 2021

The year 2020 taught us many lessons, one of the most important being to take our mental health more seriously amid WFH burnout, Zoom fatigue, loneliness and anxiety. Here’s how you can start 2021 on a positive note, with these expert-recommended wellness practices.

Express more
One of the cardinal rules stated by the experts is to practice better communication with peers and family. “Most people have aced the art of pseudo-communication, where they only pretend to be expressing themselves or listening to others. That needs to stop,” states psychiatrist Dr Satyakant Trivedi

Stop glorifying overwork 

With work coming home, 2020 was the year we were constantly busy, and proud of it. In 2021, psychologist Nyamat Chadha suggests, “Instead of waiting till the point where you’re completely overwhelmed, ensure you unplug from work and recharge constantly.”

Address and accept burnout
A direct consequence of overworking is burnout, and not addressing the fact that you’re suffering from it can be damaging. “With addressal comes acceptance,” says Trivedi. Nyamat further adds “Setting boundaries between work and personal life is essential now.”

Do not wait for social validation
The virtual world and the concept of being seen in a particular way has led many to splurge mindlessly and chase unrealistic expectations. “With the economic uncertainty that the pandemic has led to, it is advisable to keep a real time check on your finances. One has to save themselves from falling prey to social validation by going on expensive trips just to put up pictures on social media; or buying unnecessarily expensive items just to seek the approval of your friends,” advises Dr Trivedi.

Eat, sleep, workout, repeat

Good food, plentiful sleep and regular workouts is what experts prescribe. “Taking care of your physical health and honouring the mind-body connection by getting some movement in, eating right, and engaging in healthy sleep practices will be crucial to making 2021 healthier. Do not take these cycles for granted anymore,” adds Chadha.

Increased screen-time is not the new normal

The lockdown may have made us dependent on our gadgets, but it’s time we snap out of it! “2020 has created a lot of new habits, which have been harmful – like social media and gaming addiction. We often scroll down and binge watch continuously. It’s time we break that habit. Time the usage of your apps, and figure out the least time you can spend on these. Do not scroll just before sleeping or right after getting up. Practice social distancing with your phone too!” shares Trivedi

Embrace mindfulness
Mindfulness coach and trainer, Manish Behl lists out some easy mindfulness activities to maintain mental health and well-being. “The mantra of 3As – Attention, Acceptance and Appreciation will help you nail the practice of mindfulness,” he says, adding, “Incorporate meditation to decompress from stress and sharpen focus. Declutter your mind to get rid of distractions. Give yourselves ‘green time’ i.e. spend time with nature – be it gardening, or going for a walk. This will make you less judgmental and reduce negative self-talk. Also, practicing gratitude, and having empathy and compassion towards as many people as you can”.