Have you ever dreamed of traveling to remote places and immersing yourself in different cultures? I have, and which is why I took a trip to some of the villages in Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India which boasts stunning landscapes and rich heritage. I expected it to be a fun and relaxing adventure, but it turned out to be much more than that. It was a life-changing experience taught me a lot about myself and my mental health.

My trip was full of challenges and hardships where it pushed me to the limit. I had to deal with language barriers, cultural differences, harsh weather conditions, lack of amenities, and even some health issues. There were times when I felt lonely, frustrated, scared, or overwhelmed by the situation. But instead of giving up or falling apart, I learned to adapt and overcome these difficulties by using various strategies which helped me stay calm and positive.

Some of the strategies which I used were:

• Seeking social support: I made friends with some of the locals and other travelers who offered me guidance, comfort, and companionship. Taught me a lot about their culture and way of life, which made me admire their resilience and happiness despite their hardships.

• Practicing self-compassion: I treated myself with kindness and acceptance, especially when things were hard. I recognized my feelings were valid and temporary, and I was doing the best I could in a challenging situation. I rewarded myself with some self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or listening to music.

• Finding meaning and purpose: I focused on the positive aspects of my trip, such as the beautiful scenery, the new experiences, the personal growth, and the contribution I made to the local community by volunteering or donating. I set clear and achievable goals for each day, which gave me a sense of accomplishment and direction.

With resilience I was able to cope with stress and adversity and bounce back from negative events. Resilience is a protective factor for mental health and well-being, as it can help prevent or reduce the risk of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Resilience can enhance the coping ability of people who have existing mental health conditions.

 My trip to Himachal Pradesh was not only a fun and relaxing adventure, but a valuable learning opportunity helped me improve my resilience and mental health. My resilience is not something which you are born with or without, but something you can develop and learn by using various methods. I learned resilience is not about putting up with something difficult or figuring it out on your own, but about reaching out to others for support and finding ways to manage the situation you are facing.

I hope by sharing my personal experience, I can inspire others to take care of their mental health and build resilience. Resilience is not only important for dealing with life’s challenges but also for enhancing life’s joys and opportunities.

If you are interested in learning more about resilience and mental health, or if you want to join me on my next adventure, please contact me here.