“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Since our earliest years, we have had this phrase ingrained in our memories. But what exactly does it mean to be healthy? When we talk about being strong and healthy, we often forget that it encompasses both physical and mental health. So, that is the reason mental health and spiritual growth both are required.
About Mental Health:
The concept of “mental health” refers to the state of one’s cognitive abilities, behavioral patterns, emotional stability, and social functioning. However, it often carries a stigma. The brain, a physical organ, regulates bodily movement and functions, whereas the mind is associated with subjective experiences such as awareness, insight, and reasoning.
A person is said to be mentally healthy if:
- They can grasp new information effectively.
- They can carry out everyday activities with little trouble.
- They can experience and cope with a wide range of emotions.
- They can cultivate and sustain positive relationships.
When an individual struggles with any one of these aspects, it can negatively impact all others, leading to an unhealthy mental state. Symptoms of mental health issues include aggression, eating disorders, mood swings, depression, amnesia, social withdrawal, and detached relationships. More than one hundred million people worldwide suffer from some form of mental health disorder.
Several factors contribute to poor mental health: traumatic experiences, negative childhood events, neglect, hormonal or neurological imbalances, insecurities, lack of self-confidence, and more. At the root of these issues often lies a disconnection from one’s true self.
Spirituality: Beyond Religious Practices
When we lose touch with who we are and our life’s purpose, we begin to regress. This is where spirituality comes into play. Many associate spirituality with religious practices—praying at an altar, reading a holy book, or reciting prayers. But spirituality transcends religious rituals. It involves connecting with one’s spirit, defining oneself, discovering life’s meaning through actions, and attaining inner peace and contentment. It is a guide to a realm where material concerns lose significance.
Growing up in an Indian family, I experienced the significance placed on religious practices. Participation in rituals was expected and handed down across generations. While I feel privileged to be part of a nation rich in diverse ideas, India often loses sight of spirituality’s true essence. Religion is merely a set of rules, while spirituality is the guiding force behind it.
Also Read: Mynoo Maryel: where spiritual divinity comes with professional success
Our ancestors wisely believed that survival in this world requires spiritual nourishment for the mind, akin to food and water for the body. By fostering such practices, they discovered peace and harmony. However, achieving true spirituality does not necessitate adhering to rigid rituals. If you lack belief in what you practice, the rituals become meaningless.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and surround yourself with like-minded people. Listening to uplifting music, dancing in the rain, painting, walking in the park, or stargazing can all help you relax. Meditation is not always about sitting still—it is about finding peace within yourself.
For example, milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. However, if you’re lactose intolerant, it won’t benefit you. Instead, you can opt for alternatives like pulses or eggs. Similarly, spirituality isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find a path that leads to genuine, non-harmful growth and satisfaction.
The soul is the true owner of the mind. As the soul grows, so does intellect, fostering harmony between the two. Any disruption in this harmony affects mental health. True healing begins when we find comfort within ourselves, accept things as they are, and release the burdens of the past.
When we accept that we cannot control every outcome and stop blaming ourselves unnecessarily, we can focus on inner transformation. By fostering growth and maturity from within, we become healthier, stronger, and ultimately, happier.
