On World Mental Health Day, celebrities talk about how they kept a positive mindset amid the pandemic

Sheetal

The pandemic has taught us many things and not ignoring your mental health is one of the most important lessons. As we celebrate World Mental Health Day today, we talk to celebs about the activities they like to indulge in to keep calm. They also share one series or film that they believe has initiated a dialogue about mental health in an educative way.

Family time: Tina Desai

To be cheerful and happy, I spend time with my family. It’s almost like a friends’ episode in our house. We have our meals together and love our conversations around it. In addition to that, I read books and a lot of online articles. I like to hear to high-octane music such as EDM to calm my brain cells at times. Due to the pandemic, I didn’t have the opportunity to hang out with friends as much, but video calls kept me connected through those lockdowns.

Path of meditation: Saurabh Aggarwal

Spiritual books and meditation is the answer to keep my mind healthy. Reading keeps you engrossed and on a path of self-discovery, which is really necessary to have a sound mind.

Book wise: Mandy Takhar

To take care of my mental well-being, I often hang out with loved ones. I also read motivational books and watch videos. I like to plan ahead to keep my mind calm. And, meditation helps a great deal. I reach out to my mom, sisters and a few close friends. I discuss the issues until I feel healed.

Watch out: I watched Bala recently. It deals with a man’s mental health issues.

Long break: Mrunal Jain

Mental health is as important as physical health. To keep it in check, I do yoga and meditation. Also, going on a long drive has always been my stress-buster. My wife is my biggest support. She is my best friend, my counselor and everything, so whenever I feel low, a quick conversation with her always lifts up my mood. Apart from the precautionary measures, I treated this pandemic like a long break at home. As an actor, you are always doing something, so the pandemic gave me chance to just chill at home and enjoy my time.

Watch out: I really feel Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt’s Dear Zindagi is a fantastic movie.

Be positive: Aly Goni

I always keep myself positive no matter what. I don’t let any negative thoughts affect me and take life as it comes. I think having a positive mindset is the best way to keep your mental health in check. My friends and my family are my strength. If I ever feel low, I know they are just a call away. The pandemic was tough on everyone. Luckily, I auditioned for my OTT debut Jeet Ki Zidd at that time.

Exercise first: Shefali Jariwala

It really depends on the mood, but exercising always helps me regulate my mood. Even if I exercise lightly, it gets the happy hormones flowing and elevates my mood instantly. It also gives me a sense of achievement and that really helps me feel good about myself. Apart from that, just playing with my pet dog, Simba, sketching and listening to music makes me feel good.

Watch out: Silver Linings Playbook, Dear Zindagi and Karthik Calling Karthik.

Sing along: Nishant Malkhani

To keep my mental health in check, I listen to my favourite songs. These are not sad or romantic songs, but ones that pump your adrenaline. Talking to friends and family is like my therapy. I can share anything with them. I keep myself busy by working-out or cooking. Then I spent around five weeks in the Bigg Boss house, which was a good change. Since then I have been working, so it really didn’t affect my mental health.

Watch out: I watched To The Bone long back. Lily Collin’s character is suffering from an eating disorder and they have beautifully portrayed her journey.