Balancing Ambition and Mental Health: Essential Strategies for Young Success | Health

In today’s competitive world, young people face a myriad of ambitions, expectations and obstacles, and the pursuit of success – be it academic achievement, career advancement or personal development – often puts enormous pressure on mental health. In this ever-changing landscape, prioritizing mental health is no longer just a suggestion, but an essential component for sustainable progress and achievement.

Read on to find out some key approaches that young aspirants can take to safeguard their mental health while pursuing their dreams. Cultivating self-compassion, setting achievable goals, establishing boundaries and embracing self-care can help young people navigate life’s journey with resilience, clarity and balance.

Health issues can be managed by bright youngsters preparing for various entrance exams In today’s highly competitive environment, the mental health of individuals preparing for various competitive exams assumes great importance.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neha Tripathi, Counselling Psychologist, Toprankers, offered valuable insights into dealing with mental health challenges during the exam preparation phase. She shared what one should consider to manage their mental health while preparing for competitive exams:

1. Encourage rest and leisure activities:

Don’t underestimate the power of breaks. Take regular breaks and take part in activities you enjoy. Whether it’s drawing, playing a sport or meeting up with friends, these leisure moments will help you relax, refresh and return to your studies with renewed focus.

2. Celebrate successes:

Acknowledging your progress, whether big or small, will boost your confidence and keep you motivated to stay on the path to success.

3. Promote healthy lifestyle habits:

Emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and adequate sleep. These habits improve cognitive function and mood, ultimately enhancing exam performance.

Emphasising further, Prof. (Dr.) Padmakari Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IILM Gurugram University offered deep insights on this important aspect. According to her, “Managing mental equilibrium and dispelling stress and anxiety is paramount for a young achiever to be successful and happy in life. For this, they need to imbibe and inculcate a positive mindset and sense of optimism at every stage. This is a continuous process that needs to be practiced diligently on a regular basis with utmost sincerity and dedication. Positive thinking brings positive emotions and optimism, which inspires the mind to focus on finding solutions and learn constructively from failures rather than dwelling on setbacks and getting disheartened.”

Nishi Khosla, Career Counselor, Seth Anandaram Jaipuria School, Lucknow, also emphasised on the importance of mental health among young achievers. She said, “In today’s fast-paced world, the relentless pursuit of excellence often comes at the expense of mental health. As an individual strives for success, mental health can take its toll. Recognising this, schools, colleges and communities are called upon to create a nurturing environment where individuals can openly express their concerns without the fear of judgement. This includes fostering a culture that values ​​mental health as much as academic and professional achievements. Equipping individuals with coping mechanisms is essential. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation and stress management provide valuable tools to weather the ups and downs of life’s journey. Moreover, instilling a growth mindset that sees failure as an opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle promotes resilience and perseverance.”

She suggested, “It is important to strike a balance between ambition and self-care. Setting realistic goals, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making time for hobbies and relaxation are essential elements of maintaining this balance. Moreover, it is paramount to encourage young aspirants to seek support from friends, family, mentors or mental health professionals. It is important not to blame for failure, but to embrace imperfections and recognise them as an inherent part of the human experience. Celebrating one’s unique journey and cultivating self-compassion can help individuals build a solid foundation of mental wellness.”

Prioritizing mental health, alongside personal and professional goals, is essential to achieving overall success and a sense of fulfillment. By fostering supportive environments, teaching coping strategies, and promoting self-care practices, society can empower individuals to succeed in both their endeavors and their well-being.