5 Simple steps to Mental Well-Being

A simple programme to promote mental well being has been compiled by a team of more than 400 scientists. Here’s what they think…

Get Connnected:

Relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors will enrich your life and bring you support. Human interaction is vital to our happiness and sense of belongings. Studies show that one of the most significant factors in poor mental health is isolation. Good friends will help you get through the bad times.

Be Active:

Sports, hobbies such as gardening or dancing or just a daily stroll will make you feel good. That’s because exercise stimulates feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can give you an eight-hour high. Regular physical activity has been clinically proven to alleviate depression and anxiety and may even prevent problems in the first place.

Pay Attention:

Noting the beauty of everyday moments and reflecting on them helps you to appreciate what matters to you. Making an effort to stand still and take notice can help us savor moments we might miss. It encourages us to live in the present instead of dwelling on past events we can’t change or future ones which may not even happen.

Brush Up Your Skills:

Fixing a bike, cooking, learning to play an instrument – the challenge and satisfaction brings fun and confidence. Keeping your mind occupied with a constructive task is an excellent way to be happy. When you are absorbed in a rewarding activity, it focuses your mind away from negative thoughts and gives you a real sense of purpose and achievement.

Be Generous:

Helping friends and strangers links your happiness to a wider community and is very rewarding. It’s true that giving is as good as receiving. A study scanning people who donated to a favorite charity found that giving stimulates the brain’s reward system just like receiving does.

My Soruce of Inspiration: TNT for the Brain: Auvaiyar's Aathichoodi

One Universal Law: Simplicity always wins. By considering universally acceptable values in just one line, Auvaiyar brevity succeeded in making them stay in memory for the rest of one's life... "Aathichoodi"...

Her epigrammatic poetry was handed down orally for over two millennia. In that she articulates codes of conduct for living in peace and life in general. Her poetry received a new lease of life when Bharathiyar followed her style in his Puthiya Aathichoodi, a perfect example of continuity in tradition and a returning to the replenished spring. This is offered in the same spirit.

It's always a source of inspiration to me. Yes, it's the TNT for my Brain. Here it goes...

Achcham thavir, Naiya pudai
(Rid yourself of fear, Strike hard (the evil/obstacle))

Maanam poatru, Routhiram palagu
(Cherish honour, Learn righteous indignation)

Aanmai thavarael, Kedilum thuninthu nil
(Do not lose your manliness, Stand firm in ruin)

Keduppathu sorvu, Thiyoarku anjeal
(Fatigue spoils, Be not afraid of evil)

Oythal oli, Naer padap paesu
(Do not flag, Talk straight)

Thaalndhu nadavael, Mikaipada solael
(Don’t lose your Dignity, Don't over dramatize)

Kaalam aliyeal, Keelorkku anjeal
(Do not waste time, Be not afraid of what is base)

Por tholil palagu, Tholviyil kalangael
(Learn the art of warfare , Do not become upset by defeat)

Pudhiyana virumbu, Veeriyam perukku
(Welcome progress, Increase virility)

Pedhamai Akatru, Unmaikku anjael
(Eradicate ignorance, Don’t fear for truth)

Vedipara paesu, Nandru karudhu
(Speak with clear articulation, Always think good)

Vavvudhal neekku, Thavaththinai nirappu nee
(Avoid covetousness, Practise penance daily)

Katradhu olugu, Kaitholil potru
(Practise what you have learned, Cherish manual work)

Saerkay ariyea, Paeigalukku anjeal
(Know whom you associate, Have no fear of ghosts )

Maanam potru, Mandhiram valimai
(Cherish honour , Mantra is potency)

Vallamai pasael, Naal ellam venai sei
(Dont self-praise, Strive all day long)