Sachin Sharma

Tag: self-help strategies

  • Healing from Trauma: Tips for Coping and Moving Forward

    Healing from Trauma: Tips for Coping and Moving Forward

    Trauma is a difficult and painful experience that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Healing from trauma is a process that takes time and can be challenging, but it is possible to move forward and lead a healthy life. Here are some tips for coping and moving forward after experiencing trauma.

    Seek professional help

    Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s emotional and mental well-being, and it’s important to have the support of a qualified professional. A therapist or counselor can help you to process and cope with your trauma, and can also provide you with tools and strategies for managing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

    Take care of yourself physically

    Trauma can take a toll on the body, and it’s important to practice self-care and self-compassion. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Taking care of your physical health can help to improve your overall well-being and can also help to reduce symptoms of trauma.

    Establish a sense of safety and control

    Trauma can make an individual feel out of control and vulnerable. Establishing a sense of safety and control can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and can also help to improve overall well-being. This can include creating a safe and comfortable environment, engaging in activities that provide a sense of accomplishment, and setting realistic goals for yourself.

    Connect with others

    Trauma can make an individual feel isolated and alone. Connecting with others can help to reduce feelings of isolation and can also provide a sense of support and understanding. This can include talking to friends and family members, joining a support group, or participating in community activities.

    Practice mindfulness and self-compassion

    Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can also help to improve overall well-being. Practicing self-compassion involves being kind and understanding to yourself, even when things don’t go as planned.

    In conclusion, healing from trauma is a process that takes time and can be challenging. However, it is possible to move forward and lead a healthy life. Seeking professional help, taking care of yourself physically, establishing a sense of safety and control, connecting with others, and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion are all important steps in the healing process. Remember that healing is not a linear process, and it’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. It’s also important to remember that healing is possible, and that it’s never too late to seek help and begin the process of healing.

    It’s important to understand that everyone’s experience with trauma is different, and there is no right or wrong way to heal. Some individuals may find that traditional therapy works best for them, while others may prefer alternative approaches such as art therapy or yoga. What is important is that you find the approach that works best for you and that you feel comfortable with.

    It’s also important to recognize that healing from trauma is a lifelong process, and that it’s normal to have setbacks and triggers along the way. It’s important to have a support system in place and to have a plan for coping with difficult emotions and situations.

    In summary, healing from trauma takes time, but with the right support and approach, it is possible to move forward and lead a healthy life. Remember to seek professional help, take care of yourself physically, establish a sense of safety and control, connect with others, practice mindfulness and self-compassion, and be patient and compassionate with yourself. It’s important to remember that healing is possible and that you are not alone in this journey.

  • Mindful Living: How to Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Daily Routine

    Mindful Living: How to Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Daily Routine

    Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It’s a simple concept, but it can be difficult to incorporate into daily life. However, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can bring many benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and enhancing overall well-being. Here are some tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

    Set aside time each day for mindfulness practice

    This can be as simple as setting a reminder on your phone, or it can be more structured, such as signing up for a mindfulness class. It’s important to make mindfulness a priority in your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

    Practice mindfulness during daily activities

    This can include paying attention to your breath while brushing your teeth, or paying attention to your body while walking. Mindfulness can be practiced during any activity, and it’s important to find ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

    Be present in the moment

    This means being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, and not getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future. It’s important to be present in the moment and to let go of any distractions.

    Be non-judgmental

    This means accepting your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. It’s important to be non-judgmental, as this can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

    Be kind and compassionate to yourself

    It’s important to be kind and compassionate to yourself, as this can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

    In conclusion, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can bring many benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and enhancing overall well-being. The key is to make mindfulness a priority in your daily routine, and to find ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities. Remember to be present in the moment, non-judgmental, and kind and compassionate to yourself. Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed over time, and the more you practice, the more it will become a part of your daily life.

    Another way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine is to use mindfulness apps or guided meditations. These can be helpful in providing structure and guidance for your mindfulness practice. You can also try incorporating mindfulness into your daily activities such as cooking, washing dishes or doing laundry.

    It is also important to be consistent and make mindfulness a part of your daily routine. You can start by setting a small goal, such as 5 minutes of mindfulness practice per day, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be challenging at first, but with time and practice, it will become a natural part of your life.

    Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be a powerful tool in promoting mental and emotional well-being. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you begin to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. With consistency and practice, you will be able to experience the many benefits of mindfulness in your daily life.

  • Beyond Medication: Natural Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

    Beyond Medication: Natural Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

    Medication can be an effective way to manage mental health conditions, but it’s not the only option available. There are many natural ways to boost your mental health and improve your overall well-being. Here are some natural ways to boost your mental health and promote overall well-being.

    Exercise

    Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and to improve overall well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, on most days of the week.

    Nutrition

    Eating a healthy and balanced diet can have a positive impact on mental health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

    Sleep

    Getting enough quality sleep is essential for good mental health. Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression and can lead to irritability and fatigue. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

    Mindfulness

    Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and can improve overall well-being. Mindfulness practices can include meditation, yoga, and tai chi.

    Nature

    Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Taking a walk in a park, hiking in the woods, or simply sitting and observing nature can help to promote feelings of calm and tranquility.

    Therapy

    Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be an effective way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression and to improve overall well-being. A therapist can provide support and guidance, and can help to develop coping strategies for managing symptoms.

    In conclusion, there are many natural ways to boost your mental health and promote overall well-being. Incorporating regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep habits, mindfulness practices, spending time in nature and therapy can all help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s important to find the approaches that work best for you. It’s also important to consult with healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

  • Building Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Adversity

    Building Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Adversity

    Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt to change and to cope with difficult situations. It’s a vital aspect of mental and emotional well-being, and it can be developed and strengthened over time. Building resilience can help to improve overall well-being and to promote a sense of control and empowerment. Here are some ways to build resilience and to bounce back from adversity.

    Develop a growth mindset

    Having a growth mindset means viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset can help to promote a sense of control and empowerment and can help to reduce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

    Practice self-compassion

    Self-compassion involves being kind and understanding to yourself, even when things don’t go as planned. It can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and can promote overall well-being.

    Build a support system

    Having a support system of friends, family members, and/or professionals can provide a sense of support and understanding and can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

    Practice mindfulness

    Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and can promote overall well-being.

    Set realistic goals

    Setting realistic goals can help to promote a sense of control and empowerment and can help to reduce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

    Take care of yourself

    Taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, can help to promote overall well-being and can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.

    In conclusion, building resilience is an ongoing process, and it’s important to find ways to bounce back from adversity. Developing a growth mindset, practicing self-compassion, building a support system, practicing mindfulness, setting realistic goals, and taking care of yourself are all ways to build resilience and to bounce back from adversity. Remember that resilience is a skill that can be developed over time, and that it’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work on building resilience.

  • Why People Resist Self-Help: Understanding the Negative Perception

    Why People Resist Self-Help: Understanding the Negative Perception

    What was the first ever non-fiction book or video you came across in your adulthood? I am sure for majority of you, it would be ‘self help’.

    Life isn’t easy – from fulfilling your basic needs to living that life you always dream of, nothing comes served on a platter. You often turn to the already successful to learn the ‘secret’ and apply it to your own life. Then there are self help gurus who are there to help, so you choose one whom you find the most relatable and start consuming their content – books, blogs and videos. And just when you start feeling that you finally have the roadmap to end all your problems and start implementing their advice, you start feeling stuck.

    Most of their advice that seems practical on paper is either too generalized to make an impact on your issues or they are so specific that it is hard to believe that they will work for you too. Eventually you find yourself in a vicious loop that offer you nothing but guilt and anxiety. And then one day, when you are throwing that book away because it is telling you to do the same things you have heard of at least a thousand times before, you realize that life wasn’t that bad when you were far away from this shit. No wonder you hate self help!

    Why Self Help Content Doesn’t Help

    Although they claim to help you, but sooner or later you find out all they wanted was to sell you stuff. Now you are miserable and broke because your ‘investment’ yielded zero returns. And it completely makes sense – why would anyone help you for free if they are not getting anything out of it?

    Another thing they ‘fail’ to tell you is that one key doesn’t fit all locks .Something that worked for one successful entrepreneur won’t work for every single person on the planet. Not everybody is looking to be Elon Musk or Brad Pitt, we already have those! All you want is to be a better version of yourself without changing who you truly are. Who wants to be an impostor, right?

    Generalized and Oversimplified

    Their advice often looks something like this:

    1. Identify a problem
    2. Offer a solution
    3. Monetize your solution
    4. Voila! You’re a millionaire!

    You would have these follow-up questions:

    1. How do I identify the exact problems I have a solution to?
    2. Who do I offer the solution to? People are not coming to me with their problems.
    3. How do I monetize the solution to petty problems that everybody can find a solution to? Should I also start selling useless self help content like those ‘gurus’?

    Ask these questions and you will hear the same reply – YOU have to figure these out.

    Wow, all those big promises and this is what you leave me with? It’s like you go to someone with a problem, they explain the problem back to you and then ask you to figure out a solution. Anybody would hate self help after such an experience.

    The Solution: Look for Action and Not Advice

    Instead of looking at your own problems from a philosophical and psychological point of view, which are not completely useless by the way, it is better if you seek an action plan.

    When you are about to pay someone to help you help yourself, make sure their advice is tailored to your needs and not the masses. Clearly, that bestselling book is not what you are looking for. Instead you need a step by step guide on how to get from point A to point B.

    The next logical thing would be to make sure the person or entity who gets paid can be held accountable. If you are not getting the results, make sure you get all your money back if not wasted time.

    And lastly, don’t let them be infallible.

    Remember that pseudoscience based book called ‘The Secret‘ that claimed your thoughts become your reality? And when they don’t, the blame goes on you for not believing your thoughts. Don’t fall for that shit!

  • The Productivity Dilemma: Why Productive Tasks are So Damn Hard

    The Productivity Dilemma: Why Productive Tasks are So Damn Hard

    Have you ever found yourself binge-watching Netflix for hours, yet struggling to write even one sentence of an assignment? Have you ever caught yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media instead of tackling that to-do list? Why is it so much easier to get lost in the world of distraction rather than doing what we know will help us be more productive?

    The answer lies in dopamine.

    Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that helps control our level of excitement and interest in things. It helps us focus and work hard by making things seem more intriguing. So, the activities that we know are good for us often don’t seem interesting because they don’t give us a dopamine boost.

    But there’s hope! Here are some ways to improve your dopamine production and get more done:

    Mind Your Meals

    What we eat has a huge impact on our productivity levels. Make sure you include foods high in proteins, magnesium, and tyrosine such as dairy, fish, cheese, nuts, beans, and lentils in your diet. Avoid processed foods and limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.

    Pair a healthy diet with regular exercise and a good night’s sleep, and you’ll be unstoppable.

    Stay Away from Distractions

    Indulging in addictive activities such as gaming, social media, or watching short videos (reels) during breaks can cause a dopamine surge. This makes it even harder to get motivated for less engaging activities like reading.

    To avoid this, turn off notifications for your apps and limit your social media time to once a day for a set duration. Digital detox and meditation can also help keep your dopamine levels in check.

    Take an hour each day to just sit and be with yourself. In this quiet time, let your mind reset and recharge.

    Mix Productive Tasks with Enjoyable Ones

    If possible, listen to your favorite music while working on an assignment, or enjoy a snack you love while tackling a difficult project. This tricks your brain into thinking “this is okay” and helps you stay focused and calm.

    Avoid multitasking when you have too much on your plate. Instead, make a to-do list and work through it one task at a time. The sense of accomplishment you get from crossing each task off will keep your motivation levels high.

    Minimize distractions by putting on noise-cancelling earphones and disconnecting from the world until you’re done. This will help you work faster and more efficiently.

    Say No to Drugs

    Drugs and alcohol give us a false sense of pleasure by artificially boosting our dopamine levels. This high is temporary, and when it wears off, our dopamine levels crash, leaving us feeling down.

    Sticking to a healthy lifestyle will pay off in the long run by boosting your productivity levels. Sure, it’s okay to have fun during breaks, but keeping your mind focused and calm will help you achieve more in the end.

    A 7-Day Dopamine Detox: How It Changed My Life

    I started the year with a 7-day dopamine detox, and you can check out my experience in this video:

    In conclusion, while distractions may seem more interesting in the moment, choosing a healthy lifestyle is what will make you more productive in the long run. By keeping your mind calm and focused, you’ll achieve more and feel better too.

  • The 4 Types of Toxic People You Need to Stay Away From

    The 4 Types of Toxic People You Need to Stay Away From

    Toxic people come in all shapes and sizes and can creep into your life without you even realizing it. They can be your friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, or even strangers on the subway. Some are easy to spot, while others are more subtle in their toxic behavior. But, the good news is, you can identify them and take action to protect yourself.

    As we step into the new year, it’s time to leave toxic people behind and make room for positivity and growth. In this article, we’ll be discussing four types of toxic people you need to stay away from and why.

    1. The Possessive Type

    These are the people who initially seem caring and concerned, but as time goes on, their true colors show. They want nothing more than to control every aspect of your life, which stems from their own insecurities. They disguise their control tactics as concern for your well-being, but deep down, they know they can’t survive without you. They try to isolate you from your loved ones and make you dependent on them.

    While co-dependence is a necessary component of a healthy relationship, it’s important to remember that you need to be in charge of your life. If someone else is making decisions for you, it’s time to show them the door.

    2. The Jealous Type

    These people appear friendly on the surface, but they won’t hesitate to bring you down behind your back. They constantly criticize you, find ways to undermine you, and make your life miserable. They often originate from a lack of confidence in their own abilities or jealousy towards your achievements.

    It’s important to keep your distance from these types of toxic people, as they can take advantage of you when you’re most vulnerable. Keep in mind that their jealousy is a reflection of their own weakness, and you don’t need them in your life.

    3. The Intrusive Type

    These toxic people can be found among friends, relatives, or even family members. They have no respect for your privacy and want to know everything about your life. They offer unwanted advice and are always in your business, even when it’s not their concern.

    To deal with these types of toxic people, you need to be firm and set clear boundaries. If you don’t, they will take advantage of your kindness and bring you down with their constant chatter and intrusion.

    4. The Competitive Type

    Life is not a race, and it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own unique path towards their own unique destination. But, being surrounded by competitive people can lead to you comparing your life to others and hinder your progress.

    In a workplace filled with competitiveness, it can be hard to focus on your own goals and be creative. It’s better to look for a supportive work environment where colleagues are more collaborative and less competitive. This will help you grow your skills and establish yourself as a valuable team player.

    In conclusion, these four types of toxic people can easily be misinterpreted as positive influences, but it’s important to recognize their toxic behavior and take action to protect yourself. As you start the new year, leave these toxic people behind and make room for positivity and growth in your life.

  • Why Going Non-Toxic is Hard and How to Make it Easier

    Why Going Non-Toxic is Hard and How to Make it Easier

    Going non-toxic can be a big change, but it’s worth it for your health and the environment. You may have to do some research, spend a little extra money, and learn new things, but it’ll pay off in the long run.

    Let’s face it, not all products are created equal. Some of the stuff we bring into our homes can be downright dangerous. Chemicals in cleaning agents, cooking utensils, and other household items have been linked to illnesses like cancer, allergies, diabetes, and lung disease. And the sad part is, some of these illnesses are untreatable once you have them.

    It’s not just about our health either. These toxic products are also harmful to the environment. The toxic waste released during production can pollute the planet.

    So, why aren’t we all jumping on the non-toxic bandwagon? It’s not that simple. Firstly, it’s hard to know what products are truly safe. There are so many clever ads and labels out there that it’s difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not. Secondly, non-toxic products can be more expensive. The production costs are higher because the raw materials and manufacturing processes are more complex.

    But here’s the good news. You can make it easier. One way to save money is to buy local. Local businesses often have lower marketing costs, which means they can offer the same non-toxic products for less. Plus, their products have a shorter shelf life, which makes stock management easier. And who knows, the quality might even be better than the big international brands.

    Making the switch from conventional to non-toxic products can be challenging. You may have to get used to using new products, but the benefits far outweigh the hassle. Think of it like this – it’s a small inconvenience now to avoid being on medication for the rest of your life.

    Finding non-toxic alternatives can also be a challenge. But there are plenty of resources available to help you. Look for recipes for making things like natural toothpaste, hair conditioners, and cleaning agents. There are tons of YouTube channels, Reddit threads, and health blogs that offer great information. Just grab your phone and start searching.

    Take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make your home a healthier, safer place. And in the end, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything you can to live a long and healthy life.

  • The Irony of Success: Why People With Better Ideas Don’t Always Succeed

    The Irony of Success: Why People With Better Ideas Don’t Always Succeed

    Have you ever met someone who seemed to lack intelligence yet was incredibly successful? On the flip side, have you also known people with amazing ideas who seem to struggle in life? It’s easy to blame success or failure on luck, but what if we could uncover the real reasons behind these disparities?

    The key to changing the status quo is to start by admitting that you may be doing something wrong and then carefully analyzing the difference between your habits and those of the successful individuals. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the common reasons why people with great ideas don’t always succeed, and what you can do to overcome these obstacles.

    Letting Perfectionism Take Over

    At first glance, perfectionism might seem like a positive trait, but it can actually hold you back. Perfectionists tend to spend too much time fixing minor details that don’t have a significant impact on the final outcome. It’s important to understand that these habits stem from an obsession to do things perfectly, rather than doing what’s required and then some. Remember, the goal is to deliver results, not perfection.

    Being a Cynical Self-Critique

    While self-reflection and self-critique are important for improving your work, it’s possible to take this too far. For example, if a client asks for a 500-word article, spending an entire day writing the best piece may not be worth it if it results in poor time management skills. Sometimes, it’s best to trust an editor or reviewer to help improve your work.

    Letting Self-Doubt Hinder Action

    A mind full of ideas can also be a mind full of self-doubt. Constantly questioning the feasibility of your ideas can render them useless. Instead of waiting until you’ve learned everything to start working, embrace the learning process and start taking action. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish by starting small and building from there.

    Fear of the Unknown

    Our minds naturally try to protect us from facing our fears, but this protection can hold us back. Doing something new can be scary and leave us vulnerable to failure and embarrassment. However, the best way to overcome this fear is to face it head on. Remember, it’s okay to fail and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s important is to learn from these experiences and keep moving forward.

    Bad Implementation

    Idea generation is just the first step, the real challenge is in implementing them effectively. This requires good communication skills, practical knowledge, and the ability to turn your ideas into reality. The way you communicate your ideas can make or break their success. A good example of this is a great novel that was turned into a bad movie due to poor communication.

    Lack of Practicality

    Some ideas may sound great on paper, but they may not be feasible in the real world. For example, having a romantic dinner at the top of the Burj Khalifa sounds amazing, but it may not be possible to get the necessary permissions. The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, it becomes easier to build and grow from there. Don’t be afraid to experiment, observe, and revise your ideas to make them more practical.

    In conclusion, there is only so much you can learn without taking action. So, the next time you have a great idea, take the time to plan out how you will bring it to life. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you turn your ideas into reality.

  • The Psychology of Procrastination: Understanding Why You Put Things Off

    The Psychology of Procrastination: Understanding Why You Put Things Off

    Have you ever found yourself putting things off, even though you know they need to get done? You’re not alone! Procrastination is a common struggle for many people, and it can be a tough habit to break. But the good news is, by understanding the psychology behind why we procrastinate, we can learn how to overcome it and get things done.

    The Roots of Procrastination

    For me, procrastination started as a lack of motivation. I would get an idea and then lose steam as I went from planning to execution. But even when I did get started on a project, I always found the execution part to be more enjoyable than the planning and preparation stages.

    This led me to start a YouTube channel, where I could share my ideas through video. I thought it would be a more engaging and efficient way to publish content. But the process of learning to shoot and edit professionally was much more time-consuming than I anticipated. This led me to start a separate YouTube channel where I could focus solely on learning to shoot and edit. Although my first attempts weren’t great, I learned a lot and was able to see how much I was already ahead of many other YouTube channels in terms of video and editing quality.

    Making Matters Worse

    The second wave of COVID-19 hit India and brought my progress to a halt. I got infected and wasn’t able to edit the video I shot in April 2021. Our upcoming guests also started to have second thoughts about shooting in the middle of the pandemic, so I took a much-needed break.

    But that break only made things worse. I think it was either a side effect of COVID or my habit of procrastination evolving, but I wasn’t re-energized. Instead, my habit of delaying and postponing things became more consistent.

    Realizing the Problem

    I then realized that my procrastination had taken over other areas of my life as well. For example, I started a blog with the intention of using it as a journal, but over time it turned into a lifestyle and news website, and eventually, an abandoned page. I felt guilty and ashamed that I had let my busy life get in the way of something I loved doing, like writing.

    Finding a Solution

    After much contemplation and self-reflection, I finally understood the root of my procrastination problem. I realized that my procrastination was like a “friend with benefits.” It was okay to have it around when I needed a break, but I was relying on it even when I should be focusing on more important things. This was turning into a guilty pleasure, and I knew it was time to end it before our relationship became toxic.

    The lesson is: it’s time to say goodbye to this “fun friend.” The guilt of being complacent was making me miserable, and it was time to focus on the things that matter. So, my dear procrastination, it’s time for us to take a break from each other. Let’s make sure our beautiful relationship doesn’t turn toxic and ruin one of us. And we both know it would be me!