Physical well-being has definitely caught everyone’s attention. Every morning we see the parks filled by people of various age groups exercising, walking, or jogging.

It could be a senior strolling early in the morning, a middle-aged person taking up a brisk walk, or a young adult attractively dressed in workout clothes riding a bike to hit the classiest gym or going to a yoga centre nearby.

We can also see outdoor gyms, which are increasingly becoming popular in most parks. Men and women alike try their hand at these pieces of equipment.

Actors Endorse Fitness, But What About the Mind?

“Till you do not get a prescription, your health will deteriorate,” says Shilpa Shetty, showing that actors too endorse physical fitness. Yes, it’s true that to do one’s tasks successfully, physical fitness helps. Despite all that is said about physical fitness, very few talk about mental fitness too. A Sanskrit shloka says: शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम् ।मनः स्वस्थं सर्वकार्येषु कारणम् ॥

Truly, the body is the primary instrument for fulfilling one’s duties (or righteous conduct). A healthy mind is the cause for (success in) all the undertakings. If physical strength is required to fulfil day-to-day activities, inner strength helps us do the same activities with ease. Yet, this has not encouraged people to take care of it as well.

Mental Fitness: Breaking the Myths and Stigma

There is a ubiquitous belief that mental fitness is only for those facing serious mental issues. It is believed to be for those whose lives are troubled or who are going through traumas, divorces, or breakups. Certainly, it took me a while to understand how emotions directly affect our lives. And since then, I have not looked back.

Now, when I talk about the work I once did—conducting workshops on EI—people nod their heads and say it is needed in these times. They talk as if someone else needs it and do not take a moment to introspect and see that they too require it.

Emotional Wellness: The Foundation for a Peaceful Life

Exactly; on a superficial level, we can see the roses camouflaging the thorns. Likewise, we have buried our difficulties beneath the art of looking good. We wait until there is a breakdown in our wellbeing, such as a physical ailment, before running to a counsellor. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that.

I am only trying to point out that emotional wellness is the very basis for a peaceful and healthy life. Just look at it: with this education, a person gains clarity in decision-making, shows empathy in relationships (making them stronger), boosts feelings of happiness leading to increased life satisfaction, communicates better with others, and navigates unpleasant emotions simply by acknowledging them. These are a few experiences I have shared.

Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime: Practising Mental Fitness

When such profound results are laid out before us, what does it take for us to embrace this? The best part is that this can be learnt at any age, practised at any time of day, and by anyone—man, woman, child, in any profession: teachers, managers, bureaucrats, scavengers, street vendors, saleswomen in malls…

There are many misconceptions: that it takes too much time, must be done in a confined space, that people may laugh when one is practising, or that management does not approve, etc. What does it take for a teacher to practise mindfulness by simply noticing how she walks to her class, or for a CEO to take a moment to breathe slowly before a meeting, or for a homemaker to practise gratitude for the salt while cooking?

Physical and Mental Fitness: A Balanced Approach

People are ready to make time for exercising their bodies, but are reluctant to practise emotional strength. We strengthen our bodies but refuse to listen when they need rest or are in pain, even though they are sending us a message. We take time every day to fit in physical exercise; why not also fit in a regime for mental health?

Simple things, like taking a moment to notice your breath or doing basic breathing exercises while working, can help. As we go about our chores, we can check in on how we are feeling emotionally. With practice, it hardly takes more than a few moments, and the results are endless.

Celebrities Leading the Way for Mental Health Awareness

Karan Johar, the famous filmmaker, opened up about his anxiety and seeking support to heal himself on his show, Koffee with Karan. Deepika Padukone, who went into depression, sought therapy and has now become the face of mental health awareness in India.

Her foundation, Live Love Laugh, has helped people suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Aamir Khan has advocated mental health awareness. He has also stated that he is in therapy, inspired by his daughter, Ira Khan.

Let’s wake up and give the younger generation a whiff of fresh air by healing ourselves of the issues we are facing, rather than sweeping them under the carpet. Physical fitness builds the body, and mental fitness brings awareness to the already existing greatness of our souls.