World Mental Health Day - Supporting Each Other, the Ayurvedic Way

On 10^th October, World Mental Health Day, we want to take a moment - just a quiet, mindful pause to talk about something that affects every one of us in some way: mental health.

Whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or even ourselves, many of us have faced times where the mind felt heavy, emotions ran deep, or motivation simply faded away. It’s okay. You're not alone - and more importantly, you don't have to go through it alone.

Why World Mental Health Day Matters

This day is a gentle reminder to check in with ourselves and each other. It’s a time to acknowledge the silent struggles, remove the stigma around mental illness, and recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health.

But more than just raising awareness, it’s about creating space for healing - and for us, that also means exploring holistic paths that reconnect mind, body, and spirit.

How Can We Support Those Struggling?

Sometimes, it’s not about having the perfect advice. Sometimes, it’s just about being present. Here are a few simple ways we can all make a difference:

• Listen without judgment - Let someone speak freely without feeling the need to "fix" them.
• Check in regularly - A quick message, a short call, or a quiet cup of tea together can mean the world.
• Encourage seeking help - There is strength in asking for support, whether from a therapist, a friend, or a health professional.
• Be kind, always - Everyone is fighting a battle we often can’t see.

Ayurveda and Mental Wellness

For those of us who seek a more natural, balanced approach to mental health, Ayurveda offers beautiful guidance. Rooted in ancient wisdom, Ayurveda teaches that mental health is deeply connected to our doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), daily habits, and the world around us.

Here’s how Ayurveda can gently support mental wellbeing:

1. Daily Routines (Dinacharya)

Creating small, grounding rituals - like waking up with the sun, tongue scraping, or warm oil massages, helps bring predictability and peace to the nervous system.

2. Herbal Support

Ayurvedic herbs such as:

• Ashwagandha - helps reduce stress and promote emotional resilience
• Brahmi - supports clarity, memory, and calmness
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) - helps uplift mood and combat anxiety

These herbs don’t numb emotions - they help support the mind to process them more clearly.

3. Mindful Eating

What we eat deeply affects our mental state. Fresh, warm, nourishing foods can ground a restless mind and ease emotional turbulence. Spicy, oily, or leftover food can sometimes aggravate imbalances, especially for Vata and Pitta types.

4. Meditation & Breathwork (Pranayama)

Just five minutes of conscious breathing can reset the nervous system. In Ayurveda, breath is the bridge between the body and mind - and when we return to the breath, we return to ourselves.

5. Connection with Nature

A walk in the morning sun, feeling grass under your feet, or simply sitting under a tree - nature is one of Ayurveda’s greatest healers. It reminds us to slow down and find stillness amidst the rush.

You Deserve to Feel Whole

You know, mental health isn’t really a place we “arrive” at - it’s more of a journey. Some days can feel light and easy and other days can be really heavy. But, that’s okay and perfectly normal. With the right support, a bit of self-care, and the gentle guidance of Ayurveda, we can slowly find our way back to feeling balanced again.

So today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s not just raise awareness - let’s also honour the quiet bravery it takes to open up, to support someone else, and to keep going, even when it’s tough.

If you’re finding things hard right now, or if someone close to you is, please don’t keep it in. Reach out. And if you’re curious about how Ayurveda might help along the way, we’re here for you, always ready to listen, to support, and maybe even share a warm cup of tea. Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram or TikTok

Take care of yourself. You’re worth it.