Mental Health Care

You could try several age-old simple recipes to knock off the tensions of life. Regular doses of humour, adequate sleep, a healthy balanced diet, exercise, recreation and sports, soaking in a warm tub, massage, and timely vacation can treat anxiety and stress.

Add laughter to life

A chuckle a day keeps the doctor away. This philosophy has been prevalent in yoga down the ages. The therapeutic powers of ‘hasya yoga’ or laughter are a legend. It relaxes mind, eases stress and anxieties, improves circulation and breathing, lowers blood pressure, and is a wonderful tonic both for the body and mind. Modern researchers investigating into the healing powers of laughter have found that humour also activates the natural stress-relieving chemicals in the brain and improves the defence system of the body. So, it may be a good idea to keep a collection of amusing books, comics and videos at your bedside and take a regular dose of humour before going to sleep.

Sleep well

Sleep is a healer both for the body and mind. It refreshes us, resolves emotional conflicts, helps us think clearly, and promotes positive mental health. Take regular six to eight hours sleep during the night and, if possible, a short post-lunch nap. Indulging frequent late nights and then cutting on sleep hours are the sure way to court stress.

Some people just cannot get sound sleep. The best way out is to maintain a regular sleep routine. Switch off the television and PC at least one hour before the bedtime. Light relaxing music, a bath, pleasant conversation and a gentle massage are some sure recipes to keep away from sleeping tablets.

Take a balanced diet

Do not neglect meals. Eat on time, even if you are under a time pressure. If you fast for long hours, the blood sugar is lowered, and you may feel easily fatigued. The second commandment is, eat light and enjoy a balanced diet. Take plenty of fresh fruits, salad and vegetables. They neutralize stress. On the other hand, too much carbohydrate in desi-videshi junk and fast food items, like pizza, aaloo ki tikki, samosas, chhole-bhature, French fries and hamburgers tend to adversely affect your think tank.

Do not indulge in self-abuse

Alcohol, cigarettes, and cups and cups of caffeine are not the solution to stress. Such substances only mask the problem and can make the situation worse. Their abuse stresses the body and the mind.

Exercise regularly

Start the day with a 30-45 minute brisk walk. Aerobic exercise ­such as running, walking, biking and swimming-can help keep stress levels down. It also increases the endurance of the heart and lungs. A physically fit individual has a lower heart rate and lower blood pressure, less reactivity to stress, and quicker recovery from stress. In addition, studies show that people who exercise regularly have higher self-esteem and suffer less from anxiety and depression than comparable people who are not aerobically fit.

Water is a wonderful energizer

Drink plenty of water every day. It makes more than 70 per cent of the human body. But splash in it also, whenever you can. A soak in the bathtub can wipe you clean of fatigue. A good swim, Jacuzzi, or sauna bath also make an excellent remedy for stress.

Massage is good

Touch is a newborn’s first contact with the world. As babies, we all snuggle up to our mothers for warmth, comfort and security. A warm rub by a loved one can bring back the same sense of comfort and care to your world.

Even an impersonal massage by a masseur has many virtues. It releases tension from aching muscles, stimulates blood flow, eases the mind and body, and fosters a sense of well-being.

Take out time for relaxation

Even though satisfying work is a great tonic, taking time out for recreation is also a must. You can do anything that you like. Read a book, play a game of chess; bridge, carom, or rummy, or take your family out for a picnic. Going for nature walks, enjoying a movie or play, visiting an art gallery, or partying with friends and family-all can help in a big way. Even helping your child do a school project or cooking a dish in the kitchen may work out to be an excellent rejuvenator.

Listen to music

Good music-music that you enjoy-is a wonderful remedy to overcome stress and fatigue. Tune in and soothe your self.

Take a vacation

A relaxing, fun-filled holiday is a perfect recipe for good health. It casts a magic effect on your physiological and psychological health and is one sure way to recharge your batteries, cleanse your mind and body and humour your soul. The best way is to simply rest and relax. Remember, the word ‘vacation’ is coined from vacate, which means ‘to leave’ or ‘go away’. Go away you must-not just physically, but mentally as well. A sedentary desk-bound person may wish to go out and stretch his muscles a bit, but a physically active worker may wish to take a quiet vacation. Let the vacation be a complete change from the routine.

Seek help

If you cannot devise a solution and find that stress is building up or you are not functioning well, contact your physician.

The key to handling stress is to keep it on your side. Some of it is necessary to keep you sufficiently motivated. Moderate stress fuels creativity and also enhances our performance. The joy lies in listening to the perfect twangs from your soul machine. If you let the strings too loose, they won’t just play. Tighten them too hard, and they may break.

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