Vidya Balan on the importance of being aware of how your body feels while making tough decisions

vidya balan, socialising

Vidya Balan talks about how access consciousness has helped her. (Photo: Vidya Balan/Instagram)

In an insightful chat with content creator Samdish Bhatia, actor Vidya Balan didn’t hold back from sharing her perspectives on some interesting topics. The two dove headfirst into a wide range of topics, promising a thought-provoking conversation.

Balan, who is currently enjoying the success of her recent film – Do Aur Do Pyaar – shed light on the power of what her healer terms “access consciousness.” She says, “You can restructure the way you think, and the way you’ve led your life… the beliefs with which you’ve led your life, by restructuring the construction of your sentence (sic).”

She adds that access consciousness is also about being aware of how your body feels while making tough decisions, “With the right decision your body will feel lighter, with the wrong decision, your body will feel heavier. So you have to tune into that.”

She says, “Simply put, anxious consciousness helps you access your consciousness, your subconscious, and remove the limitations. It makes sure that you don’t stand in your own way.”

vidya balan, access, consciousness

Attempting to restructure one’s thoughts without proper understanding or guidance can lead to increased confusion. (Source: Freepik)

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals says, “Access consciousness, as described by Vidya Balan, involves changing how we think to improve mental health and general well-being.”

This concept closely aligns with the psychological practice of cognitive restructuring, a core component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive restructuring, she says, involves identifying and challenging irrational or maladaptive thoughts and replacing them with more constructive and realistic ones, thereby influencing emotions and behaviours positively.

Contribution to mental well-being and resilience

According to Cadabam, restructuring thoughts can significantly enhance mental well-being and resilience. Psychological theories, particularly those related to CBT, suggest altering negative thought patterns reduces psychological stress and anxiety, improves mood, and enhances overall emotional regulation.

She cites a research published in Clinical Psychology Review supporting that thought restructuring helps in mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety, thereby promoting a healthier, more adaptive approach to daily stressors.

Techniques for restructuring thoughts

Several effective techniques, Cadabam recommends, can be employed to restructure thoughts:

Mindfulness Meditation: Helps in observing one’s thoughts without judgment, allowing one to detach and manage them more effectively.

Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions regularly can help in identifying and modifying problematic thought patterns.

Cognitive-behavioural techniques: Such as the “three columns” technique where individuals write their negative thought, identify the cognitive distortion in it, and replace it with a positive counterpart.

Affirmations and visualisation: Using positive mental images and affirmations to reinforce positive thinking and self-belief.

Risks and navigation of thought restructuring without guidance

Attempting to restructure one’s thoughts without proper understanding or guidance can lead to increased confusion, misapplication of psychological techniques, or worsening of symptoms.

“Individuals might misidentify their thoughts or apply techniques inappropriately, leading to frustration and potentially exacerbating their mental health issues,” informs Cadabam. To navigate these challenges, it’s advisable to:

*Seek guidance from qualified mental health professionals who can provide appropriate therapeutic techniques and support.

*Engage in structured psychoeducational workshops or online courses designed to teach effective thought restructuring practices.

*Use self-help books and resources recommended by professionals that adhere to established psychological principles.

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