Finding Balance: My Journey with Mental Health
Mental health has become one of the most talked-about topics in recent years, but it’s also one of the most personal. For me, mental health isn’t just a buzzword; it’s something I’ve had to navigate through the ups and downs of balancing a demanding schedule, creative projects, and the pressures of both academic and personal life. It’s been a journey of learning to care for my mind, just as much as I care for my work and ambitions.
The Pressure to Succeed
Like many people, I’ve often found myself caught in the relentless pursuit of success. Whether it’s expanding Sky Bridges, working on cutting-edge aerospace projects, or crafting a new episode for my podcast, there’s always a sense of pressure to do more, achieve more, and be more. While this drive has brought me many opportunities, it’s also led to moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed and, at times, completely drained.
There was a point when I realized that the constant push for achievement was taking a toll on my mental well-being. I was so focused on the external measures of success—grades, project milestones, and recognition—that I neglected the importance of taking care of my own mental health. It was a tough realization, but an important one.
The Importance of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been a key part of my mental health journey. I used to think mindfulness was just about meditation, something that didn’t quite resonate with me at first. But over time, I learned that mindfulness is about being present, about truly paying attention to what’s happening in the moment rather than getting lost in the past or worrying about the future.
For me, mindfulness became about finding small moments of peace in the chaos. Whether it was taking a few minutes to breathe deeply before a big meeting or simply being fully present during a conversation, these practices helped me stay grounded. It’s amazing how something as simple as pausing to notice how I’m feeling can make a big difference in managing stress.
Building a Support System
Another crucial aspect of maintaining my mental health has been building and relying on a support system. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have to handle everything on our own, especially when we’re juggling so much. But I’ve learned that reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strength.
Over time, I’ve surrounded myself with people who understand and support my goals but also care about my well-being. Whether it’s a mentor who offers guidance or a friend who listens without judgment, having people I can turn to has made a world of difference. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone, even when things get tough.
Setting Boundaries
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in managing my mental health is the importance of setting boundaries. For someone who’s passionate about so many different projects, it’s easy to say yes to everything. But I’ve come to understand that saying no is sometimes necessary for my mental well-being.
Setting boundaries means protecting my time and energy. It means recognizing when I need to step back, take a break, or simply not take on another task. This has been particularly challenging for me because I genuinely love what I do. But I’ve learned that if I don’t set limits, I risk burning out, which ultimately affects not only my mental health but also the quality of my work.
Embracing Self-Care
Self-care is another buzzword that’s often thrown around, but for me, it’s become a non-negotiable part of my routine. Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those can be nice!); it’s about doing what I need to do to feel balanced and whole.
Sometimes, self-care looks like taking a break from work to read a book or go for a run. Other times, it’s as simple as getting enough sleep or eating a meal that nourishes both my body and soul. For me, self-care is also about engaging in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, like dancing Kathak or exploring new creative ideas.
Continuing the Journey
Mental health isn’t something that you “fix” and then move on from; it’s an ongoing journey. I’m constantly learning more about myself, what triggers stress or anxiety, and what I need to stay mentally healthy. There are still days when I struggle, but I’ve come to accept that it’s okay to have those days. What matters is how I choose to respond to them.
As I continue on this journey, I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to embrace imperfection, and to prioritize my mental health just as much as I prioritize my work and goals. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, taking care of my mental health allows me to show up fully—not just for my work, but for myself and the people I care about.
Thank you for joining me in this reflection. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage others to take their mental health seriously and to remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. We’re all in this together, and taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of everything else.
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