Knowledge
Pay attention to Mental Health
There is a deep link between our mental and physical health.
“Mental health” is not a destination but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going. – Noam Shpancer.
There is a deep link between our mental and physical health. Each day, how we feel about the outside world is affected by how we feel inside. In other words, an emotionally stable human being impacts the environment positively and makes it productive. On the other hand, a stressed mind spreads negativity and acute disturbance. One of the many reasons why I am absolutely in favour of maintaining a fine balance between mental and physical health at school is that it directly impacts the future citizens of the world.
While we are talking about the importance of mental health, there is an urgent need for all of us to know what affects our mental health so that we can either elevate or deteriorate. To our best knowledge, family is the most crucial factor for determining our inner health. It proves to be our strength in tough times and keeps us grounded. To understand this better, the family acts as the backbone of society. Henceforth, a question arises. We, in India, give supreme importance to families. Hence, our value system should have led people in the best direction. Ironically, we witness an entirely different mindset when we have to prioritize a woman’s well-being. It is astonishing to know the research-based statistics. As per recent surveys, women who work in schools find that their jobs are taken casually by their own families! This sounds unbelievable, but still, it is the truth.
Even in the 21st century, discrimination happens on the basis of earnings and gender to a large extent. A teacher’s job is looked as something that simply keeps them occupied for a few hours. When we talk about the armed forces of the country, our hearts swell with pride for the fact that the nation is protected and in the right hands. Capable soldiers guard the country’s welfare! To our amazement, people who build the future of our country are considered to be simply killing their time on the pretext of a job! In short, our social fabric dissuades them from dreaming big.
In this negative scenario, women are burdened with numerous other chores at home with the bare minimum support from their families. As a result, they bring similar energy to work! Furthermore, the aura transcends to the surroundings and leads to an unhappy, toxic workplace. I thoroughly believe in imparting holistic education to our students. Our mission is to create responsible citizens for the rapidly transforming world. We firmly believe in giving due importance and a family environment to each staff member.
A couple of initiatives have been taken to spread positivity and care for the mental well-being of all people on campus. Though the drive is not just limited to these, as it’s an ongoing journey.
To begin with, an ancient Indian technique called Anna-Pana has been adopted by all faculties, students, and class four workers. This method of meditation focuses on making a connection with our breath. We all know the air we breathe is the source and channel of our life-giving energy. Therefore, by connecting with our breath, we are able to connect to our deep-rooted emotions and overcome the baggage that we all carry from home. This way, every day becomes a new beginning for them. Similar positive vibrations are received by the students, which in turn creates a happy learning space for them to cherish.
Another technique that has been adopted and implemented is a mindfulness bell system for the whole school. So, after a set duration, when the bell rings, students and teachers are encouraged to drop everything and just be silent. In the moment of this silence, they again connect with their breath, let go of the past, and come out rejuvenated. This also helps overcome anxiety and other pressing issues associated with the everyday grind of their life.
Moving on, the school has established a mindfulness Sangh that provides a joyous and unbiased place for all to shed their inhibitions. The faculty members often gather together and lend a patient, listening ear to others. Each member is free to share their innermost feelings, good or bad. In this place, no one judges anyone. We simply lift one another up with empathy, compassion, and kindness.
As an educational institute, our purpose is not just to prepare students to qualify for entrance exams and get good grades. We believe in creating life-long learners who can think and act creatively. A lot of initiatives are being taken to fulfill emotional and intra-personal needs. Mindfulness and meditation sessions are a part of ongoing community-building programs that make us stand apart and set an example for others to follow.
It is rightly said, “Stay connected to your roots while you leap for the sky. Everything else will fall into place. ”
Author – Siddharth Rajgarhia, Director, Delhi Public School Nashik, Varanasi, Nagpur