The mental health narrative is changing in India, but at a slow pace. Women are at the end of that spectrum in most cases. Thanks to social media and other platforms, people are much more vocal about their mental health than they used to be before the Covid-19 pandemic. But the gender gap in mental health still needs to be highlighted. In India, women have significant psycho-social pressures that lead to the onset of several mental health problems.

A study published in the Journal of The Scientific Society found that this pressure leads to unwanted and hidden psychological weight and needs to be addressed. In an exclusive chat with Health Shots, Dr Rashi Agarwal shared the importance to find happiness in little things in life and how can you be happy.

Tips for women to be happy

As you start growing up or growing older, things just get increasingly complicated with additional responsibilities. So, these tips might help you keep your mental health in check.

1. Treat your kids equally

Believe it or not, there is still a huge gap when it comes to equal opportunities for women. To address issues such as this, it is important to let the change begin at home. Dr Rashi encourages families to treat their kids equally.

“Every other generation of women should have it better than the previous one. It makes me happy to see equal educational opportunities being given to every child. When that girl grows up, she will be happy which will automatically subside the stress in life,” adds Dr Rashi.

Also Read: Raising a happier child is going to be a cakewalk with this fool-proof guide

2. Take out time for yourself

Regardless of how busy you are or the responsibilities you have, Dr Rashi says that you should take time for yourself. Sometimes people might try to stop you or other things might become a hurdle, but make it a point to do something you like. “Even if it’s just 15 minutes of listening to music or sleep or exercise. Do what makes you happy.”

3. Choose your battles wisely

In a lifetime, you will go through a multitude of problems and fights but you can’t win them all. “Choose your battles wisely. Life is not a bed of roses but we have to be smart about the fights we want to fight and the ones we want to leave behind. Trying to deal with everything will only stress you out,” she says.

4. Your sleep is very important

Sleep is very important, especially for young women. Sleep is your best friend. You might not realise this when you are 21 but it is. Gradually, when your body changes you realise how important it is to sleep. Figure out how much sleep is important for you, but a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep is important, recommends the expert.

Also Read: Are you sure you slept well last night? Check out 6 qualities of good sleep

5. Healthy diet and lifestyle

No, you can’t underestimate the importance of eating a healthy diet and having a healthy lifestyle. It can help you deal with a lot of things, and if it doesn’t help you can try other things. Meditation can change your life. Therapy doesn’t hurt either. Regardless of how big or small the problem is, therapy won’t hurt. As per Dr Rashi, the basics include a good sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, and eating junk once in a while if you can’t do without it. You also need to create a comfort zone that makes you happy. For instance, if you love dancing, make sure you are including it in your regimen.

With these tips, take charge of your happiness and take the first step towards a healthy mind and healthy life!