Many experts have been highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic, along with challenges posed by subsequent measures such as social isolation and economic uncertainty.
Mental strength can be nourished only by positive thinking and hope. Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), a community organisation associated with the Embassy of India, has regularly been organising online sessions for the community on the issue of mental health and staying positive.
In a recent session, Dr Shashi Goel from counsel house of ICBF spoke at length about ‘Mental Detox’. She elaborated how important mental detoxification is for having positive outlook and thoughts during the fight against Covid-19.
Dr Shashi is an experienced educator, adept trainer, dedicated coach, and selfless mentor since 2007. She has specialised in preparing individuals and organisations for the success and challenge of the high-performance journey. Currently she gives session in training, coaching on various issues like: mental health, career success, motivational speech, self-development training, successful life, and personal development.
For Dr Shashi, mental detox is cleansing of mind of emotional toxins like negative thoughts, frustration, recurrent thoughts of your life events, etc. “I shared with my compatriots some of the methods and ways to do mental detox. The most important step can be eating food without distraction. We should use our five senses to enjoy the food while we are having it. We also need to reflect on what our ideal day looks like. It will help you in deciding what you should do and what you should not,” she said while talking to Community.
The expert added: “Every morning and evening, say three things that you love about yourself loudly. It is important. When we re-affirm or re-confirm ourselves that what way we are important and what we are good at, we give positive affirmations and get rid of negative thoughts and pains.
“We also need to sit quiet and free. It helps our mind become clam and conceive positive ideas. One can also do the activity of writing down negative thoughts to figure out what these thoughts are really about. Once you know your negative thoughts, they will slowly stop coming back.”
Further elaborating the steps on how to detox mind Dr Shashi stressed the need for meditation. “It is important. It gives you control on your breathing process. It helps your mind get focused. The process makes mind positive and productive.”
The expert also highlights the significance of fasting for mental detoxification and body purification. “We are experiencing Ramadan in Qatar and the Muslims are observing fasting. it is a process that can help us in making our body and mind stronger.”
Dr Shashi further underlined the importance of physical activity, exercise, and healthy diet. “Healthy food is not only necessary for our body but also for our mind. When we have healthy diet, we also become happier and more active.”
For her, detoxification mudra is also very important factor. “It is the method that does help us in cleansing our mind. It purifies our body and removes negativity and fears. I made the participants do the mudra.
“Increase water intake for mental detox. We also need to sit or walk on ground without shoes. This experience has a soothing connection. Further, we have some control over our digital life. Keep yourself surrounded by people who spread positivity. We also need to have play and laugh moments for ourselves. Be in the present moment. Accept your emotions and cry if you want to. Be polite and calm. Taking showers also helps. Water has calming property. Have proper sleep. Share your issues with your friends and family or a medical practitioner.”
Subramanya Hebbagelu, ICBF general secretary, said: “Humans must restart all over again and, to rethink about world view and cleanse our minds of superiority complexes. This virus has induced the anxiety among society, as people were thinking themselves more, like ever immortals. They have realised that they are part of this cosmic reality and are not the rulers of the universe. Anxiety will go away naturally if we are simpler in our dealings in the world and rely more on being humane towards every other being in the world. Mental detox is just one way to create the sense of self to universe.”
u201cWe also need to sit quiet and free. It helps our mind become clam and conceive positive ideas. One can also do the activity of writing down negative thoughts to figure out what these thoughts are really about. Once you know your negative thoughts, they will slowly stop coming backu201d u2014 Dr Shashi Goel
