Past and future are in the mind only- I am NOW

Joie de vivre      

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn in the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Here is a mantra one should live by: Develop an appreciation for the present moment, seize every second of your life, and savour it. The more you practice this mantra, the more it will contribute to your mental wellness.

In today’s age, we all get stuck in a constant search of “unleashing our own calling or our purpose of being”. What we often lose out on is the time. The time that just passes by and is never lived consciously. Sure there are challenges that everyone faces, but all we need to do is to give ourselves the permission to live a little more in the moment and be cognisant of the fact that each moment we breathe is a gift.

Here are 5 instant stressbusters that can get you back in the moment and pull you out of illusions of past and future.

1. Reduce cortisol and increase endorphins

Research has shown that people who are happy for most part of the day experience improved blood circulation, effective oxygenation and a healthier heart, mind and body.        

Here’s the thing: When you grab your phone the first thing in the morning, quit checking your mails or WhatsApps. Tap on the YouTube App instantly, and treat yourself with funniest comedy videos. This will be your workout for muscles and will increase the response of disease-killing cells. After all, who doesn’t want to have a happy and a healthy start to the day? ;)

2. Running should be your therapy, and sports shoes your anti-depressants

Running serves both short-term and long-term benefits. For short term, it helps you stay focussed about your goals, pulls off the garbage and negativity out of your head, and allays your depression and anxiety. And for the long term, it augments your longevity.

There is no “right time" to start running. Just pull out a tee and jogger-pants from your wardrobe, tie your shoelaces and stride down the lanes. :D

3. Good Food equals Good Mood

Here’s to the biggest real stress buster: Good food!

Science has shown that the part of the brain that processes odours is very close to the part of the brain that houses emotions and memories. So when you sniff something you like, you breathe more deeply. This lowers the blood pressure, brings the heart rate down and presses on the button of “Relax mode”.

I’m sure you already know what to do. Dress up, take hold of a wallet with cash and arm yourself with the soothing aroma of the tasty foods in cafes or anywhere where you can catch hold of anxiety-relieving nutrients. Tip to remember: Eat it quick or you will have to share it. :p

4. When in Doubt… Go shopping

Shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist. It can buy you both health and happiness. This is one interesting activity that certainly is going to regulate your stress. It boosts your positive emotions and wards off the negative ones. These positive feelings are also known to last for a longer time because you add something more to your life.

Now that you know what you like, go get what you would actually enjoy! ;)

5. Make Nature your best friend

Law of gravity came into being only when an apple fell on Newton’s head. Constellations are known only when there was a keen attention paid to the sky. And so, wonders happen when there is physical, psychological and social well-being.

It’s proven that access to nature positively influences a person’s mood, life and work satisfaction. It also allows more creativity and novel ideas. Allowing yourself with a little “green time” will give you immense pleasure and keep social intrusion at bay. It’ll help you self-reflect which will add more clarity to your life. Because, looking deep into the nature helps you understand everything better which in turn soothes your stressed brain.

Know what to do? Well, create your own green space! :D


By Isbah Ajaz
Avid Learner | Inquisitive 
Instagram: @isbahhh_30