Mental health is as important as physical

In a previous blogs we spoke about the mind-body connection and how at Pratimoksha we pay equal attention to the physical as well as mental while practicing Yoga.

While the physical screams for attention, one’s mental scape is more oriented towards the interior. Very few can actually tell what we are thinking and feeling unless we express ourselves.

When it comes to anxiety, worry and stress, we are often more likely to keep it to ourselves. Either it’s because we don’t want to bother others, or we consider the issues too private and very often because we believe others will perceive us as being weak.

In such situations, when the mental issues do not have a channel out, the body often bears the brunt of these bottled-up emotions. Left to fester, mental issues will often manifest in the body. This is often when we seek help for the physical manifestation, little knowing that it’s actually our mental wellbeing that we need to look towards.

So, what are some of the signs that we could watch out for in ourselves and even in our loved ones that could act as a cue to let us know that all is not well within. Ideally we should have addressed our problems and stressors early on, by practicing good mental hygiene often.

However, it’s never too late to seek help. Human beings are meant to thrive within communities. And many will gladly be there to listen and provide advice. Of course, it’s always a better idea to seek professional help, when issues don’t resolve themselves within a few days.

Now for some of the signs to watch out for. Here’s a short checklist.

1. Are you sleeping enough?
2. How is the quality of your sleep? Are you waking up tired and sluggish with little energy for the new day?
3. How’s your appetite? Do you feel a constant lack of appetite, so much so that your favourite food too isn’t quite appealing to your taste buds?
4. Do you feel a distinct lack of enthusiasm to socialize, and engage in activities that you once found interesting?
5. Are you finding it difficult to focus on tasks? Do you find that you are becoming more forgetful?
6. Are you falling sick frequently? Unexplained aches and pains, colds, headaches?

These could be just some physical manifestations of a troubled mind. However, it’s dangerous to generalize and a diagnosis of mental issues is best left to professionals.

It’s a good idea to keep a journal where you could write down your answers to these questions over a couple of weeks and months. This will help you see an evolving pattern and will give you a basis to seek help. Most of all it will help convince you that it’s not all in your head… that your anxiety, worries and stressors are indeed getting out of hand. And you should seek help. There are no two ways about it.

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If you live in Dubai find out how you can transform from the inside out with our Beyond courses that lay emphasis on physical and mental conditioning through a customized series of Yoga classes. You learn everything there is to know about the physical posture with some Yoga philosophy too. For more information call/Whatsapp 00971-50-395-5613.

Pratimoksha also offers online sessions.

Besides our signature Beyond programs, we have a 5-star rated Yoga Alliance certified Teachers Training Course — RYT500 & RYT200.

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