Lately, I’ve been noticing something that I felt was important to share.
During my day-to-day tasks, I’ve experienced symptoms like heart palpitations (rapid heartbeat), excessive sweating, irritability, obsessive thoughts, a constant feeling of fear, trembling, and an overall sense of restlessness. These signs have been distracting me from my routine and disrupting my peace of mind. In short — classic symptoms of anxiety.

This made me pause and reflect. I thought it might be a good idea to open up about it and start a conversation.
What lifestyle changes can we adopt to manage or prevent such overwhelming feelings? Let’s talk about mental well-being — something we often overlook in the hustle of our daily lives.

[In simple words, because I want this article to feel real, not filled with heavy vocabulary.]

I’ve shared my thoughts in the last paragraph based on what I personally went through.
And honestly, looking back, I made some mistakes that I now realize had an effect on my mental health.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and deal with everyday life.
It affects our mood, how we handle stress, how we connect with others, and the choices we make.

Just like we take care of our body, we need to take care of our mind too.
Having good mental health means:

• Feeling okay most of the time
• Managing the ups and downs of life
• Building and keeping healthy relationships
• Doing things that bring us peace and joy

How Our Thoughts Design Our Health?

Our mind is like the control room of our body. The way we think shapes how we feel — both emotionally and physically.

If our thoughts are mostly positive, calm, and hopeful, our body responds with energy, better focus, and a stronger immune system. But if our thoughts are filled with fear, stress, or self-doubt, our body can feel tired, tense, and even fall sick more often.

Here’s how it works, in simple terms:

• Negative thoughts can cause stress. And stress affects our sleep, appetite, mood, and even our heart.
• Positive or balanced thinking helps us stay calm, think clearly, and make better choices.

It’s not about being happy all the time — it’s about being aware of our thoughts and not letting the negative ones control us.

So yes, our thoughts matter. The way we think can shape the way we live.

How People Affect Our Mental Thinking?

The people around us play a big role in how we think and feel — sometimes more than we realize.

• If we’re around positive, kind, and supportive people, we naturally feel more confident, relaxed, and understood. They lift us up when we’re low and remind us of our worth.
• But if we’re surrounded by negative, judgmental, or toxic people, it can drain our energy, shake our self-belief, and fill our mind with self-doubt or fear.

People’s words, actions, and even their moods can affect our mental space. Sometimes, we start believing what others say about us — even when it’s not true.

That’s why it’s so important to:

• Choose your circle wisely
• Set boundaries when needed
• And most importantly protect your peace

I want to say this straight from the heart — especially to my younger audience:
Please don’t find “coolness” in using negative words or showing off toxic behavior.
It’s not swag, it’s not attitude — it’s just a slow poison for your mind.

There was a time when I got influenced by people who’d casually say stuff like:

• “mere ghar wale support nahi karte, tere bhi nahi karte na,’Bhai’?”
• “’Bhai’, padhai likhai me kya rakha hai?”
• “‘Bhai’ yaar bass kat rahi hai zindagi!“
• “’Bhai’, main toh padh ke nahi aaya, tu bhi mat padh”
• “Zindagi bohot boring ho gayi hai meri toh”
• “Yaar main zinda hi kyu hu? kuch karta hi nhi pura din”

Or those who believed spreading negativity made them look mature or strong.

Trust me — it doesn’t.

If someone around you is constantly saying these negative, toxic things — or any other similar stuff — I urge you to distance yourself from them.
Instead, spend time with the people who truly matter: your mother, father, brother, sister — those who lift you up and support you.
Don’t waste your energy on people who pull you into their schmuck(foolishness) — it’s not worth it.
Protect your peace and focus on the ones who genuinely want to see you grow.

It’s important to take a stand against this kind of mindset.
Toxicity might feel “normal” at first, but it silently eats away your peace and purpose.

So here’s what I’ve learned the hard way — and I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes:
✔️ Focus on your studies or work — give it your best
✔️ Eat well and follow a healthy routine
✔️ Respect your goals
✔️ And most importantly — maintain distance from people who dim your spark or make you feel “less”

Surround yourself with growth, not noise.

From past 3-4 years, I surrounded myself with people who often spoke negatively and pulled me into their constant complaints and toxic patterns.
I’ve always been someone who looked for meaning and held on to a ray of hope in every situation — someone who never believed in giving up easily. In my family, I was known as the most innocent child, full of softness and light.

But somewhere along the way, that version of me started to fade.
And how it all happened — I’ll share below in the last paragraph.

How to Identify that You Are Not Good to Go?

We all have days where we feel off, but sometimes, the signs of not being in a good mental space can be subtle. It’s important to recognize when you’re not in the right state to take on life’s challenges — before it gets worse.

Here are some clear signs to look out for:

Lack of Sleep
Either you’re sleeping too much or not enough, and you wake up feeling unrested or foggy. Sleep disturbances are often a sign of mental overload or emotional strain.

Constant Fatigue
If you feel drained, even after getting a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that your mind and body are exhausted. Mental fatigue can be just as powerful as physical tiredness, and it takes a toll on your ability to function.

Loss of Motivation
If you find it hard to get excited or motivated about things you once enjoyed, like work, studies, or even hobbies, it’s a major red flag. A lack of enthusiasm can indicate that you’re overwhelmed or disconnected from your own goals.

Frequent Overthinking
When you’re stuck in a loop of overthinking — constantly analyzing every little detail or worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet — your mind may be signaling that you need a break or a shift in focus.

Feeling Anxious or Restless
If you’re finding it hard to sit still, or if your thoughts are racing and you can’t seem to calm down, it could be a sign that you’re pushing yourself too hard. Anxiety can take over when your mind isn’t being cared for properly.

Increased Irritability
If you’re snapping at people for no reason, feeling agitated over small things, or just can’t seem to find peace, it may mean you’re carrying a lot internally that hasn’t been addressed.

Withdrawal from Others
When you isolate yourself from friends, family, or even social events, it could be a sign that your mental health is off. Disconnecting from others can happen when you’re struggling emotionally, but it only makes things harder in the long run.

Physical Symptoms
Sometimes, the body speaks louder than words. Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or unexplained body aches can all be linked to mental stress. Don’t ignore your body’s signals — it’s trying to tell you something.

I used to say that I don’t overthink — but deep down, I do.
I overthink about the things that matter to me, the things I care about.
But I’ve come to realize that this constant overthinking only harms my mental peace.

Whom to Consult, if You’re Feeling Anxiety?

In India, there is still a strong taboo surrounding mental illness. The moment someone speaks about mental health, people tend to throw around terms like “Pagal” (mentally unstable), “Psycho”, and other hurtful labels.

But it’s important to ignore these absurd voices and seek help immediately from a professional. Consulting a doctor is one of the best things you can do for your mental well-being.

While many people tend to visit a Psychologist or Psychiatrist when facing such issues, don’t forget that Physicians can also play a vital role in helping you. They can guide you, offer support, and help you manage the chaos you’re feeling, providing relief where needed. I am suggesting to consult to Physicians because they are easily accessible in our Locality and they can help in further recommendation if needed.

Mental health is as important as physical health. The sooner we break the stigma around seeking help, the easier it will be for everyone to live a balanced, healthy life.

How to Protect Ourselves from Anxiety?

Anxiety is something many of us go through silently — it creeps in during our daily routines, our late-night thoughts, or even while doing nothing at all. But the good news is: we can protect ourselves and reduce its impact with some small but powerful habits.

I will point it down for easy and crisp learning:

• Know Your Triggers : Pay attention to what makes you feel uneasy — it could be a person, a situation, or even your own thoughts. Once you identify the source, it becomes easier to manage or avoid it.
• Create a Routine : A well-balanced routine gives your day structure and your mind some peace. Try to sleep on time, eat properly, take breaks, and make space for things you enjoy. A simple routine is more powerful than you think.
• Practice Deep Breathing or Meditation : Even 5 minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness can calm down racing thoughts. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or even YouTube can help guide you. You don’t need to be a yogi — just start small.
• Talk It Out : Don’t bottle it up. Talk to a friend, a sibling, your mom, your dad, or anyone you trust. And if it gets too much — seek professional help. Talking to a therapist is not weakness, it’s a wise step.
• Limit Overthinking : Easier said than done, right? But here’s a trick — write down your thoughts when they start to spiral. Seeing them on paper helps you look at them more calmly and logically.
• Stay Active : A short walk, dancing to music, or a quick stretch — moving your body releases feel-good hormones and helps reduce stress. No need to hit the gym for hours — just move.
• Watch What You Feed Your Mind : Social media, toxic news, gossip — all of these can fuel anxiety. Be mindful of the content you consume. Follow pages that spread peace, motivation, and realness — not fake perfection.
• Cut Off Toxic Circles : If someone constantly brings you down, drains your energy, or adds negativity to your life — it’s okay to take a step back. Your peace > their opinion.
• Affirm Yourself : Stay kind to yourself, do some kind of journaling, adapt some creative work, etc.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Pause : I personally paused everything — whether it was IgnotusWords, AbhishekWrites.in, or even my studies — for more than a month.
  • And honestly, I don’t regret it.
  • Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to prioritize you over your work.
  • Your projects can wait, your goals will still be there — but your peace of mind comes first.
  • You can’t pour from an empty cup. So pause when needed, not when it’s too late.

I know — it might seem like a lot to take in, a lot to do.
But trust me, it all starts with small steps. Little changes that you gently weave into your life.

Everything takes time — and healing is no different.
I spent the last 3-4 years draining my mental peace, unknowingly letting stress, toxic patterns, and negativity pile up.
So how can I expect everything to magically fix itself in just a few months of doing the right things?

Growth takes time. Healing takes time.
Just like a wound on your skin needs care and patience, your mind needs the same — maybe even more. Everything in this world requires its own time to show results.

My Story Time!

From childhood, I was someone who never wanted to settle for less. I was innocent and always willing to support others. I inherit this from My Father. I was always a stubborn child, firm in my beliefs and never the one to bow down in front of problems. My friend circle was strong — full of support, laughter, and carefree moments.

But as I grew up, I started facing the harsh realities of life, and holding on to that childhood innocence became difficult. Staying true to my basic principles started to feel like a battle.

I’ve always been completely against drugs, alcohol, smoking, or any form of intoxication — and I still stand by that.

Now that my 20s have begun, I look back at a teenage phase filled with experiences — emotionally, mentally, and physically. In the process of understanding myself, I discovered my own way of expressing struggles — I started writing poetry and then moved to articles.

Maybe all of this is just the beginning of my journey for my better goal — a path I truly connect with.

But between studies, research, writing, poetry, and handling collaborations, managing everything became so hectic…
That eventually — I collapsed..

The past few years have taught me a lot. When my energy-emitting circle became a toxic brew, draining me and leaving me with nothing, I realized it in time and distanced myself from them. And it’s working perfectly. Now, I spend most of my time with a few close friends and have my Bhaiya (elder brothers) from whom I seek advice and learn a lot. They love me a lot. I don’t want to name them for privacy reasons, but My Dear, You Saved me from many Problems and showed a Path toward my Betterment. I’m referring to all of you in this sentence.

I have my Sisters with me who always support me, who always guide me to stay humble and kind. I am not a guy who express emotions easily to someone- I think that’s why I choose Poetry or Writing.

I have my Mother and my Father, who care for me immensely, and I always want to serve them back the life they gave to me. I made mistakes and was then forgiven, I failed a lot and they became the strength for me. In my childhood, I used to tell everything to my mom, and every chaos to my dad, because I knew that my mom was there for me, who would listen to all my mess, and my dad was there to protect me from problems.

Someone once said, “Life is a race, and if you don’t run fast, you’ll be left behind.”
But honestly, I believe it’s perfectly okay to fall behind sometimes — to pause, take a breath, and introspect.

We don’t always need to rush.
Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what our soul needs.

Take a moment to ask yourself: What’s really going on in my life? Am I happy with the direction I’m heading?

Because in the end — it’s your life, and the one who has to live with the choices is you.
Not everyone will walk with you forever, and there will be moments when you’ll have to stand alone.

So don’t fear the pause. Embrace it. Sometimes, getting left behind is how you find your way forward.

In the end, if any of you need my support or want to share something, I’m here for you. Feel free to reach out at abhishekkumar@abhishekwrites.in.

“स्वस्थो मनसि सर्वं स्वस्थम्।”
Swastho manasi sarvam swastham.

Translation:
When the mind is healthy, everything is healthy.