Hello, I am Divya, an art therapist and psychotherapist.

I work out of a WeWork in Mumbai city. It’s as hustly bustly as the city itself. Some days it’s as packed as a peak hour Mumbai local, some days it’s breezy like the 1:40 ki aakhri local. I see people who work hard all day, but I also see people take chai breaks that end only with the work shift. I see people glued to their desks, some with a sense of calm, while some race furiously to meet deadlines. I imagine that in thousands of such corporate office across the globe, people are doing this day in and day out.

I imagine that in thousands of such corporate offices across the globe, people are doing this day in and day out. In this fast-paced world, so many of us are constantly on the grind from morning till evening. As working millennials, our schedules are packed with meetings, deadlines, and an endless to-do list. But amidst this hustle, there’s something crucial that I see slipping through the cracks: our mental health.

Let me ask you, have you ever found yourself feeling off but couldn’t quite put your finger on why? Or noticed changes in your personality that seemed beyond your control? Do you find yourself needing breaks from the routine, sometimes when your routine doesn’t even seem that stressful to you? These are all signs that our mental health needs attention, but we often overlook them in the busyness of daily life.

Entering the chat: Mental Health Checks

A mental health check is like giving your mind a quick once-over to see how it’s doing. It’s about taking a moment to ask yourself how you’re feeling, both emotionally and mentally. Are you feeling stressed, happy, overwhelmed, or relaxed? It’s a way to make sure you’re not just running on autopilot and to catch any signs of stress or burnout before they get worse. Think of it as a petrol pump for your brain, where you can refuel, recharge, and get back on track.

Doing this regularly is as essential as doing physical health check-ups. Just like some of us now monitor our sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol, keeping tabs on our mental state can help us stay resilient on our journeys. As most of us have heard the theory now, ignoring our mental health can result in stress, anxiety, and even burnout, affecting not only our work performance but our overall quality of life.

Does this neglect really affect our lives? How?

If we continue to neglect our mental health, the consequences can be subtle at first but gradually become more pronounced. We might notice a decline in our ability to concentrate, a lack of motivation, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. These changes can alter our personality and behavior, sometimes without our notice, maybe even leading to strained relationships and decreased productivity.

Constantly Busy

We are always busy, whether we’re working, planning our next step, working out, or even when we think we’re switching our brains off. Instead of truly relaxing, we start consuming content on platforms like Netflix or Instagram. This constant activity leaves little room for mental health awareness and self-care, which aggravates our issues in quiet.

So are we all doomed or can we do something?

Of course we can do something! Lots of things!

Here are some exercises that I find the most helpful, and recommend to my clients a lot: https://t.ly/O7hAD

A detailed overview of the above exercises is mentioned here.

Schedule Regular Self-Check-Ins, by setting aside time each week to reflect on your mental and emotional state. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and if there are any stressors you need to address.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation, with techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help you stay grounded and aware of your mental health.

Stay connected with friends, family, or colleagues. Be it through calls, or messages, or actually meeting them. It doesn’t get said enough these days that a social support system is an urgent and important things for all of us to have.

Seek professional help when needed. When these feelings get too overwhelming, or you don’t know what to do next to progress, or to come out of a bad state, SEEK HELP. There’s no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists and counselors can provide valuable support and strategies for managing stress and mental health issues. Even your support system can be a huge help! Just reach out <3

Prioritize Self-Care by making time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. No I am not talking about netflix and binge-eating that tub of ice cream. Whether it’s reading, coloring, exercising, or simply taking a walk, find something that actually relaxes your mind and body.

...

Understanding and prioritizing our mental health isn’t just about avoiding negative outcomes; it’s about thriving and achieving our full potential. By making mental health checks a regular part of your routine, I hope you can enhance your daily life, enhance productivity, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

As working millennials, let’s take a step back from our busy schedules and make mental health a priority. After all, a healthy mind is the foundation of a successful and balanced life.

Best,

Divya Batra Masiwal
Founder, Artfelt Therapy
MA Clinical Psychology and Art Therapy Practitioner