You might have heard this thing before, but keeping the mind occupied is paramount for maintaining good mental health. Engaging in physical activities or completing tasks around the house not only occupies the hands but also quiets the mind. Staying busy can significantly keep off negative thoughts and reduce stress in many individuals, be it exercising, gardening, or tidying up the house.
A guy named Abhirath Batra took to X to share how his mental health has significantly improved after he moved to the US, as he is back to using his hands. He is now doing everything around the house on his own – cooking, washing and vacuuming. His mind is calm. Busy hands keep the mind quiet, he said.
“My mental health has improved by miles the moment I moved to the US because I’m back to using my hands I’m cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming and before I know it my mind is calm and I’m humming a song. I have been the happiest building the massive load of IKEA deliveries today. ‘Busy hands, quiet mind’.”
Have a look at his post here:
My mental health has improved by miles the moment I moved to the US because I'm back to using my hands
I'm cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming and before I know it my mind is calm and I'm humming a song.
I have been the happiest building the massive load of IKEA deliveries… https://t.co/aJBfY8wtZQ
— Abhirath Batra (@AbhirathB) May 7, 2024
I know being in US isn’t required to work with hands. I did my own cooking and chores when I lived away from parents in Hyderabad too.
It just so happens that I felt this difference strongly when I moved abroad https://t.co/Y4HxDo0opz
— Abhirath Batra (@AbhirathB) May 7, 2024
Several people online agreed with what he had to say, highlighting how even the most mundane chores send the mind into a more meditative state. Completing tasks around the house also tends to give you a sense of accomplishment. It is a therapeutic outlet, keeping the hands busy.
Here’s a look at some of the responses to his post:
I swear!! I’ve been cooking all my meals myself in prep for usa later this year. I made dosa for the first time today and it felt so good!! All food you cook tastes at least 5x better than the one that you get easily, call it fruits of your labor or stg 😇
— Rajat Garg (@Rajatgarg2109) May 7, 2024
Everytime, I am upset or anxious or just mind going gaga, I go to the kitchen and make myself a smoothie or an omellete or start watering my plants. Working with hands or any home chores are second biggest mental health improver after working out, I feel.
— Abhilasha Purwar (@AbhilashaPurwar) May 7, 2024
Maybe it was the sense of space/vastness, maybe blueness of California sky, maybe low AQI……but there was a spring in my steps during my trip too. I slept like a baby & for a welcome change, woke up fresh in US.
— SatyaVachan (@Satya25289695) May 7, 2024
Agree! Although it’s just my personal experience and might not apply to everyone, moving to a new country and living alone felt surprisingly natural to me, contrary to my own concerns. Ig living independently anywhere really makes you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of life
— Dhanush (@iDhanoosh) May 7, 2024
being physically busy is important for all genders esp these days when technology has taken away so much off running around physically from going to sites to pay bills make purchases etc all done digitally so the physical aspect of moving around has reduced to detriment of mind.
— Gmichael (@Gmichae94669873) May 8, 2024
Most of the therapists suggests to be occupied to have good mental health….but it can be anywhere…India or US doesn’t matter. Attitude matters
— Pushpa S (@s0103_s) May 8, 2024
This is how a person finds peace and tranquillity in everyday life.