Thanks, Debra. It never hurts to engage in some self-nurturing especially when it comes to health. Glad you are on track. There are many ways that stress can manifest in a person’s body – for example backaches, hormonal imbalances or even a migraine. If one is working with a healer, we might be asked to identify where our body is hurting or where we are experiencing discomfort. This gives an indication of where the stress and tension is manifesting. Somewhat like Charlie Brown saying “my stomach hurts”. Keep up the good work!

Welcome back, Tanya. It is true that we often take the immediate resources at hand for granted when focusing on them can keep our minds nourished and healthy. Exercising is a great way to get rid of the toxins that build up in our body and even a few stretch exercises during the day can make a difference. No wonder people like to go for a walk to clear their minds when experiencing stress!

Recently I found that reconnecting with my body in exercise at least 20 mins in the morning has helped me to become refocused and strong again. These are excellent reminders. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you Brittnei. Somewhere starting with the Machine Age and with the advances in technology humans have started working like machines forgetting that even a machine needs rest. I mean, even a car engine heats us if not maintained so what about us? The beauty about the different Faiths is that apart from the scriptures, if read carefully, they do offer guidance for a healthy and holistic way of life. The Seven Limbs of Yoga offer guidance for a balanced life and even in the Hindu faith, apart from Yoga and Ayurveda which are now popular world-wide there are 4 stages of life prescribed that are very much oriented to self, family and duty. Likewise with the Chinese Arts. There are many roads to flourishing mental health and I guess our ancestors knew more than we did in this regards.

Thank you for the compliment, Evita. Guiding readers to build their stress resilience has always been a goal for me. I love your list of strength builders. Did you know that art therapy is also a tool for stress management? The creation of a “tool-box” for guidance in times of anxiety, fear and confusion at the school level is a great idea. I understand some colleges in the USA actually provide services for stress management. During my days at the University of the West Indies, my campus had a Student Advisory Service and students were recruited to be Peer Counselors. I was one such volunteer and was trained to help fellow students handle crisis and stress. It made a big difference to my education and outlook.

I am 100% with you Paula on removing the stigma off mental illness. There are many factors that come into play here including hereditary ones over which the sufferer does not have much control. When we speak of transformation, it is a holistic one which includes the mind, body and soul and maintaining good mental health is part of that transformation. Glad you found the collective useful.

It’s so important to practice self care and take care of your well being.
I love the collective you’ve provided here Vatsala – it does take more than
one thing. And, the more you know, the more you can find a F.I.T. for you!