6 minute read
Archana Darshan Misal
In today’s busy world, keeping our minds healthy can be very hard. Many people feel stressed and anxious, but Archana Misal is here to help. She teaches yoga and offers counselling to people who need support. Archana wants to help people understand mental health better and break the negative thoughts people have about it. Let’s learn about Archana’s journey and how she helps others find peace and happiness.
Loving the Study of the Mind
Archana was always curious about how our minds work. She wanted to know why people feel and act the way they do. This curiosity led her to study Psychology, a subject that explores the brain and our behaviours. She finished her post graduation in psychology in 2015. Archana’s studies helped her understand the brain better, and she wanted to use this knowledge to help people live happier, healthier lives.
Discovering Yoga
Before she turned 25, Archana didn’t think much about yoga. She was focused on other things in life. However, her mother encouraged her to give yoga a try. Archana listened to her mother and went to her first yoga class in 2018. After the class, she felt very relaxed and calm. This feeling was so wonderful that she decided to continue practising yoga regularly. She discovered that yoga was not just a physical exercise but a way to relax her mind and body.
Yoga During Tough Times
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everyone’s lives. It was a difficult and scary time for many people. Archana found comfort in yoga during these challenging times. She practised yoga every day, and it helped her stay calm and focused. She shared her yoga journey on social media, posting videos and photos of her practice. People loved her posts because they were honest and real. Her positive energy and sincerity resonated with many, providing them with a sense of calm and inspiration during the lockdown.
Archana’s online presence caught the attention of her yoga teacher, Vaishnavi Hegde Agranayak. Vaishnavi saw Archana’s potential and encouraged her to take a yoga teacher training course. Archana agreed and began a new chapter in her life.
Becoming a Yoga Teacher
Archana worked very hard to become a certified yoga teacher. She completed a respected training program under the Ministry of Ayush. This training taught her a lot about yoga, including its benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. She learned that yoga is more than just physical exercises; it is about improving overall well-being.
Becoming a yoga teacher was a big achievement for Archana. She realised that she could use her knowledge and skills to help others find peace and happiness. Her goal was to teach yoga in a way that benefits the whole person, not just their physical health.
Combining Yoga and Counselling
Archana is also a counsellor who helps people deal with emotional and psychological problems. She understands that many people struggle with these issues, and she wants to help them feel better. Archana combines her knowledge of yoga with counselling to address her clients’ problems. She believes in fixing issues at their roots and provides practical tools for managing anxiety effectively.
During her counselling sessions, Archana introduces her clients to yoga and pranayama, which are breathing exercises that help calm
the mind. She emphasises the importance of regular practice, as it helps people manage stress better and improves their overall mental health. Through this holistic approach, Archana empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and live healthier, happier lives.
Learning Through Experience
Archana’s journey into self-awareness began with yoga. When she started practising yoga, she noticed a positive change in herself. She felt calmer and more in control of her emotions. Yoga helped her deal with her anxiety and made her realise the power of self-awareness and holistic practices.
Archana has counseled in person for 8 years in various settings, including schools and colleges, and has experience in online counseling. Through her own journey, she discovered the transformative power of yoga in building resilience and inner strength. Realizing that yoga is not just physical but a path to self-connection and peace, she was inspired to help others heal and discover themselves through it.
Breaking Mental Health Stigma
Archana knows that there is still a stigma around mental health and seeking help from counsellors. Many people are afraid or embarrassed to talk about their mental health problems. Archana wants to change this mindset and raise awareness about mental well-being.
She works hard to educate people about the importance of mental health and encourages them to seek help when they need it. Archana believes that everyone deserves to feel happy and healthy, and she is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Positive feedback from her clients keeps her motivated and inspires her to continue her work.
Stories of Change
Archana’s clients have amazing stories of overcoming anxiety and finding peace. One client, KD, had trouble managing his time and emotions. He often felt angry and frustrated, even over small issues. Archana worked with KD to help him understand his feelings and develop healthier coping strategies. With Archana’s guidance, KD practised yoga and breathing exercises daily. After three months, he noticed a significant change in his behaviour. He felt more relaxed and responded to challenges more calmly. KD’s transformation is a testament to the power of Archana’s approach and the positive impact of yoga and counselling.
Using Social Media to Spread Awareness
In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness and sharing valuable insights. Archana uses social media to connect with a broader audience and raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing. She creates short, engaging videos about everyday topics and experiences, drawing from her own journey and observations.
By sharing relatable content, Archana encourages conversations around mental health and inspires others to take care of their well-being. Her presence on social media helps people feel less alone and provides them with practical tips for improving their mental health.
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