Wellness begins with me: Charaka Samhita
Ayurveda suggests, (Charaka Samhita): "What the patient knows about himself is more important than what the physician knows."
Knowing oneself is therefore the key to mind-body-spirit wellness?
Neuropsychiatrist, Dr Sanjay Chugh, explains: “Developing self-awareness can help us recognize when we are stressed or under pressure. It is also a prerequisite for effective communication and interpersonal relations, as well as for developing empathy for others.”
“Work and emotional relationships are the two issues that majorly affect our well-being. Being aware of this and managing them effectively can help us stay fit.”
What is the secret to psychological health or mental health?
Wellness begins with knowing oneself –body, mind and soul
“Mental wellness is generally viewed as a positive attribute. It creates emotional well being. It also improves capacity to respond creatively to life’s daily challenges.”
“Mental well-being can be achieved when an individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community.”
What precautions or lifestyle routine can safeguard an ordinary person against stress induced mental illnesses?
“The first thing to learn is: to balance work, rest and play. A healthy balance of exercise along with sensible eating makes it easier to stay mentally fit.”
“Also at the end of the day, taking out time to reflect on everything that's been good during the day makes us feel good about ourselves.” That means meditation, introspection and silence promote wellness.
“To keep the mind healthy, good sleep is significant,” he adds.
“Sharing good relationships with people around us also contributes positively towards mental well being.”
“Lastly, if the body is cared for, then the mind is free to work well.” Therefore, wellness lies in recognizing one’s need for healthy food, rest, play, relationships, exercise/physical activity, and a conscientious effort to keep away from life-sapping attributes such as bad company, unhealthy food and lifestyle regimen.
Wellness begins with me...
Charak Samhita rightly summed it centuries ago that what the patient knows about himself is more important than what the physician knows. A person can best monitor one’s own well being; outside help is welcome but it is still outside help. Wellness begins with knowing oneself –body, mind and soul.
[Dr. Sanjay Chugh is a New Delhi based Neuropsychiatrist, who has been in this field for nearly two decades. He can be reached at 91-11-41436012]
