Remaining strong always

I keep reading about many people who have overcome all kinds of challenges in their lives just by keeping themselves strong. These were people written about in the media and many common people too who we come across everyday. It could be the vegetable vendor who gets up early in the morning to feed his family or the guard who keeps his colony safe from perils.This has always made me wonder about how they manage to do this.

We in India are blessed with many such people all around us. We do need to learn a lot from the so-called under privileged around us . I studied their lives deeply for quite some time. This was not just through reports in the media but also through visiting them in person and getting to know them as people and even made friends with many of them, enriching both our lives.

I then realized that it is always a combination of many aspects in their life and their journeys and never a single trait. This made me sturdy this more deeply and explore their strategies. It is a process and now a destination.

Strength doesn't come easily. It is always a combination of many factorsRemaining strong, both mentally and physically, involves a combination of habits, mindset, and practices. Here's a holistic approach:

1. Mental Strength

• Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive outlook by focusing on gratitude and what you can control.

• Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Ifrom failures and setbacks.

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps in managing our lives.

• Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, especially during difficult times. Avoid harsh self-criticism.

• Purpose and Goals: Set clear, meaningful goals that align with your values. This definitely adds to your strength in all areas.

• Support System: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if required.

2. Physical Strength

• Regular Exercise: Engage in activities like strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises to build and maintain physical strength.

• Proper Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support recovery and mental clarity.

• Hydration: Keep drinking water as your body needs it.

• Rest and Recovery: Allow your body time to recover with rest days and activities that reduce stress, like yoga or stretching.

3. Emotional Strength

• Emotional Awareness: Recognize and understand your emotions. Don’t suppress them; instead, express them healthily.

• Boundaries: Set healthy boundaries to protect your energy and well-being.

• Perspective: Keep things in perspective, and don’t let temporary difficulties define your long-term outlook.

4. Spiritual Strength

• Reflection: Take time for introspection, whether through prayer, meditation, or journaling.

• Connection: Engage in activities that make you feel connected to something greater than yourself, whether that’s through nature, community, or spiritual practices.

• Values: Live according to your values, which can provide a strong foundation during challenging times.

By balancing these aspects, you can build and maintain strength to navigate life's challenges.

By Jamuna Rangachari