Author Taanvi Arekapudi: 5 Things Anyone Can Do To Optimize Their Mental Wellness
Set Inspiring Backgrounds and Widgets to Help Promote Positivity — Seeing positive or inspiring messages on your phone can be a helpful reminder to take care of yourself and stay motivated. Set your phone background to an image or quote that inspires you and use widgets to display information that you find useful, such as your calendar or a to-do list.
As a part of my series about the “5 Things Anyone Can Do To Optimize Their Mental Wellness”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Taanvi Arekapudi.
Taanvi Arekapudi is a 14-year-old bestselling author of “Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health” and a mental health advocate. She serves as a Youth Ambassador for NAMI, is the founder and president of the Teen Empowerment Club, and represents her school district at the Student & Wellness Safety Task Force. After overcoming her own mental health challenges at age nine, Taanvi empowers and educates her peers by sharing coping strategies and promoting self-esteem. As a teen, she strives to help others achieve balance and empowerment in their lives.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
At the age of nine, I found myself struggling with my mental health after unexpectedly moving to a brand-new country. Trying to adjust to a new culture and make new friends while dealing with the normal pressures of being a teenager, I began experiencing anxiety, isolation, and low self-esteem. Feeling alone and helpless, I sought out coping strategies to help me navigate these overwhelming feelings and began to heal my mental health. Over time, I began to feel better and more empowered. I learned that mental health is something that we all need to take care of, and that there are things we can do to improve our mental well-being. Now, I am dedicated to helping other struggling teenagers by sharing the coping strategies I learned and empowering them to live an uplifted and empowered life. I want others to know that they are not alone and that there is hope for healing and growth. With the right support and tools, anyone can learn to manage their mental health and thrive. I hope to be a source of inspiration and guidance for others who are struggling and to help them find the strength and resilience to overcome their challenges.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
When I first started writing my book, Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health, I was determined to share my knowledge and experiences with teenagers who might be struggling with their mental health. I wanted to offer practical tips and advice that could help them cope with difficult emotions and situations, just like I would have wanted when I was going through my early mental health challenges.
Initially, I thought a tip-and-anecdote format would be perfect. I would offer a coping strategy and then share a personal story of how I had implemented that strategy in my life. However, as I wrote, I realized that my anecdotes were all over the place. They were from different times in my life and didn’t connect with each other.
Despite this, I continued writing and reached a point where I had written 25,000 words and felt accomplished. I decided to start looking for an editor to help me with my book and posted on Facebook. A wonderful woman offered to be my writing advisor, and I was grateful. After reading through the 25k words I had written so far, she loved the idea and my mission to help others with their mental health challenges through sharing coping strategies that had benefitted me. However, she felt like something was missing, which was the same feeling I had. After giving it some thought, she suggested that I include my personal mental health journey, including the challenges that came with moving. She advised me to include coping strategies that I used for different situations in my story so that it would not only be easier for readers to follow but also help them implement these coping strategies in their lives when they encounter relatable mental health challenges.
Initially, I was hesitant to share personal stories, as they can be difficult and vulnerable, especially when dealing with mental health struggles. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that my story could be a powerful tool for helping others. If I shared my experiences and showed how I had coped with my mental health challenges, readers might find hope and inspiration in my words and find coping strategies that helped me.
So, I went back to the drawing board and started to rework my book. I deleted whole sections of the manuscript and rewrote others. I focused on my own experiences and how I navigated difficult times in my life. I wrote about the strategies and tools that had helped me cope and offered step-by-step advice that readers could use in their own lives.
It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I had a manuscript that I was proud of. I had poured my heart and soul into it, and I hoped that it would help others who were struggling with their mental health. Scrapping those 25,000 words was a small price to pay for the chance to make a difference in someone’s life, and at the end of the day, that’s what really mattered.
Can you share a story with us about the most humorous mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson or take-away did you learn from that?
To be honest with you, I’m usually not the most patient person. So, when I first started writing my book, I thought it would be a piece of cake and I could finish a whole book super quickly. But as I got into it, I realized that wasn’t true at all. Writing is a slow and tough process that requires a lot of determination and time.
The main thing I learned is that writing is super personal and takes a lot of patience and dedication. You can’t rush it or force it. Instead, it comes together over time as you try out different ways of writing to bring your ideas to life. Writing also means you have to dig deep into your own thoughts and feelings, which isn’t always easy. It’s not just about putting words down; it’s about sharing your unique perspective with the world.
Since I was writing about my own journey with mental health, it was especially tough to express how I was feeling with words. But I really wanted to share my story, so I kept going.
Even though it was hard, writing was worth it because it helped me grow and become a better writer and person. It taught me to keep trying even when things are tough, to look inside myself, and to be patient. And it showed me how powerful words can be — they can connect us, inspire us, and even change us.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
It’s true that none of us can achieve success alone. There are so many people who helped me on my journey from overcoming mental health challenges to becoming a mental health advocate, bestselling author, and speaker.
The journey was full of ups and downs. There were days when I wondered if I could ever finish writing my book. Every challenge required me to build up my courage, motivation, and determination to keep going, and the one thing that always kept me going is my desire to share what I learned and help others who might be going through similar struggles.
I owe a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. My parents have been incredible role models, my grandparents who always encourage me, my sister without whom I could not have written this book and who is the one person I can always share my emotions with, and my friends for supporting me throughout this journey by giving me motivation and laughter.
I’m incredibly grateful to a few amazing people who played pivotal roles in this process. Lynn Colwell took the time to edit and help shape my book. Richard L. Taylor Jr. mentored me throughout the process. Shari Alyse prepared me for the media. Barbie Collins Young supported me through the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jesse D. Hayes IV encouraged and supported me through the Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club. Avery Mani Brooks contributed some wonderful drawings to my book. And Michele McLaughlin supported me through the KCLS Library. Also, my school has been very supportive in my journey by helping me spread the message that “you’re not alone” to all teenagers in the school and school district.
I couldn’t have done it without all of you, and I’m so grateful for your love and support!
What advice would you suggest to your colleagues in your industry to thrive and avoid burnout?
From my personal experiences, I imagine my journey in this field as a roller coaster ride. There will be ups and downs, and it’s important to remember that no matter how many downs I encounter, there is always a direction I’m headed. To help navigate through the twists and turns, it’s important to build a great support system around us. This can take the form of colleagues, mentors, or friends and family who understand the work we do and can offer support when needed. It’s also important to keep in mind our ultimate goal of improving others’ mental health. This can be a powerful source of motivation and determination to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
However, in the midst of this journey, we must not forget to take care of our own mental health and well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in our work and not prioritize ourselves, but this will eventually lead to burnout and can negatively impact our well-being, making it harder to achieve our goals wholeheartedly.
So, my advice is to embrace the roller coaster ride, keep a clear direction in mind, build a supportive system around yourself, and prioritize your own mental health and well-being. By doing so, we can continue to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field and help improve the lives of others.
What advice would you give to other leaders about how to create a fantastic work culture?
As someone who values mental well-being, I believe that leaders should prioritize our collective mission to improve mental health, stay true to their hearts, and remain focused on the ultimate goal. In a busy work culture, it’s easy to get sidetracked or diverge from the main objective, but if we, as a team, all focus on helping more people improve their mental well-being, we can create something truly remarkable. Of course, it’s also essential to enjoy the work and have a bit of fun, but we must never lose sight of our end goals. As a leader, I strive to keep my team motivated, inspired, and on course toward a better future for everyone.
Ok thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Mental health is often looked at in binary terms; those who are healthy and those who have mental illness. The truth, however, is that mental wellness is a huge spectrum. Even those who are “mentally healthy” can still improve their mental wellness. From your experience or research, what are five steps that each of us can take to improve or optimize our mental wellness. Can you please share a story or example for each.
Do you often find yourself with a racing mind, feeling like you just can’t catch a break? Trust me, you’re not alone.
In today’s world, it’s challenging to maintain our mental health amidst the distractions of social media, smartphones, and other technological devices that constantly demand our attention. However, it’s not all doom and gloom because our phones can actually be beneficial to our mental well-being if we use them wisely. That said, here are five ways to
prioritize self-care and support your mental health by leveraging your phone’s resources and tools to manage stressors that affect your well-being.
1. Seek Help Through Apps, Websites, or Hotlines
If you’re in need of support or feeling overwhelmed, there are many resources available that you can access directly from your phone. There are websites full of mental health-related information, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Work2BeWell (W2BW). As an example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a variety of resources, including a helpline that you can call or text for support. Similarly, the latest suicide prevention hotline can be accessed by calling 988. Additionally, if you’re interested in hearing about coping strategies from a teen’s perspective, I’d love to share my book with you. Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health is designed to be helpful for people of all ages and is available on Kindle, making it accessible through your phone.
2. Use Phone Tools for Stress Reduction
Your phone can also be a helpful tool for reducing stress and promoting productivity. You can use your reminders app to keep track of tasks and set alarms for meetings or breaks. This will help you stay organized and focused without getting overwhelmed by your to-do list. Additionally, consider using the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone to help you focus on work without interruptions. By minimizing distractions and setting boundaries, you can reduce stress and increase productivity. Additionally, there are many apps available that can help with relaxation and mindfulness, such as meditation apps or breathing exercises. These can be helpful for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
3. Use Accessible Meditation Apps for Mental Health Management
Meditation can be an effective way to reduce stress and manage your mental health. There are many meditation apps available that are designed to be accessible to people with different needs and abilities. For example, Insight Timer offers guided meditations and music, and Stop, Breathe & Think uses a check-in feature to recommend meditations based on your current state of mind.
4. Follow Positive Social Media Accounts to Promote a Healthy Mind
Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and staying informed, but it’s important to be mindful of the content you’re consuming. Consider following accounts that share positive, uplifting messages or focus on topics that interest you. You can also use social media to stay connected with friends and support networks, using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Discord, etc. to stay in touch. Another thing that my family and I always do together is looking back at our old photos. Because, it can bring back positive memories and funny times because we typically take photos of things we like. So, when we look at those positive times, it can bring us positive memories, uplift our mood, and can distract our minds from what may be going on.
5. Set Inspiring Backgrounds and Widgets to Help Promote Positivity
Seeing positive or inspiring messages on your phone can be a helpful reminder to take care of yourself and stay motivated. Set your phone background to an image or quote that inspires you and use widgets to display information that you find useful, such as your calendar or a to-do list.
Overall, using your phone to prioritize self-care and support your mental health can be a simple and effective way to promote positivity and reduce stress in your daily life. Try incorporating these tips into your routine and see how they work for you!
YouTube Link — 5 Ways Phones Can Benefit our Mental Health (Video)
How about teens and pre teens. Are there any specific new ideas you would suggest for teens and pre teens to optimize their mental wellness?
As a teen myself, I understand that these years can be a time of exploration as we search for ways to maintain good mental health that work best for us individually. As everyone’s journey is unique, I would like to share multiple coping strategies that have been effective for me and my peers, so you can try them all out and bookmark your favorites. These strategies are included in my book, which offers more detailed information about each one. However, here are a few methods to help maintain your mental health:
• Daily Planner — Use a daily planner to reflect on your day and stay organized.
• Brain Breaks — Take breaks from work or studying to reduce stress and return with a fresh mind. • Quick Mindfulness — Practice quick mindfulness exercises to promote a calm mindset in the present moment.
• Me-Time — Spend time doing activities that you enjoy to promote self-care.
• Belly Breathing — Practice belly breathing to fall asleep faster and feel more grounded. • Square Breathing — Practice square breathing to feel calmer and more connected.
• Sharing Emotions & Feelings — Express your emotions and feelings to trusted friends or family members to relieve emotional tension.
• Positive Affirmations — Practice positive self-talk to promote self-kindness and positive thinking. • To-Do List — Use a to-do list to help organize your day and make it more structured.
• Art — Use art as a creative outlet to release emotions and relieve stress.
• Sports — Engage in physical activity or sports to relax emotions and distract the mind. • Family Time — Spend time with your family doing fun activities to promote positive social support.
Check out my YouTube Channel for more about these coping strategies!
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story?
Growing up, I was never much of a reader. I found it difficult to focus on books and often became bored after just a few pages. Despite this, my mother was always encouraging me to read, telling me about all the amazing stories and knowledge I was missing out on.
One day, she recommended a book series to me called Just Be Series by Mallika Chopra. I was skeptical at first, but my mother insisted that the series would help me manage my mental health challenges and teach me new coping strategies. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.
As I started reading the first book in the series, I was immediately drawn in by the colorful illustrations and interactive tips. The book was unlike anything I had ever read before, and I found myself eager to keep reading. I loved how the book shared different techniques for managing stress and anxiety in a way that was easy to understand and follow along.
One of my favorite things about the book was how it helped me to ground myself at the end of each day. I often struggle with racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep, but the book’s mindfulness exercises helped me to quiet my mind and find peace before bed.
As I continued to read through the series, I began to feel more empowered in managing my mental health challenges. The books taught me new techniques for coping with anxiety and depression, and I found myself sharing these strategies with my friends and family.
Now, years later, I still use the techniques I learned from the Just Be Series. They have become an important part of my mental health toolkit, and I am so grateful to my mother for recommending them to me. The series may have started as just another book recommendation, but it ended up changing my life in ways I never could have imagined.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement to bring the most good into the world, I would choose the Compliment Campaign, an idea I began sharing about two years ago. I remember asking myself, “What do you lose by giving a compliment?” When I answered that question with “nothing,” it led me to ask another question: “What do you gain?” I began to think of various different answers, which showed me that by sharing heartfelt words, you lose nothing, but there is a win-win gain, which inspired me to create the Compliment Campaign.
It’s a movement that promotes positivity and kindness in our daily lives. The campaign encourages people to look for the good in others and share it by complimenting them on their clothing, qualities, or anything that deserves recognition. The challenge is to compliment at least three people every day, which may seem like a small act, but it can have a significant impact on someone’s mood and well-being, because you may not know how their day is going, and how someone complimenting them can have such a massive impact.
The power of a simple compliment cannot be underestimated. When someone receives a genuine compliment, it can boost their self-esteem and make them feel appreciated and valued. The Compliment Campaign helps individuals form a habit of looking for positivity in others, which can lead to a more optimistic and fulfilling outlook on life. Additionally, receiving a compliment can also make someone’s day better, which can create a positive ripple effect as they go about their day.
In addition to the Compliment Campaign, I started the Smile Campaign. Smiling is a simple yet powerful gesture that can have a big impact on our mood and the mood of those around us. When we smile, our brains release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of happiness and well being.
Moreover, smiling is contagious. When we smile at someone, they are more likely to smile back at us, triggering a positive chain reaction. As humans, we have an tendency to mimic the facial expressions of those around us, and smiling is no exception. So, if you want to spread positivity and uplift the mood of those around you, try smiling more often.
Even if you don’t feel like smiling, faking a smile can still have a positive impact. The act of moving your facial muscles into a smile sends signals to your brain that you are happy, triggering the release of endorphins. This phenomenon is known as the placebo effect.
All in all, smiling is a simple yet powerful gesture that can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health, as well as the mood of those around us. So, let’s make an effort to smile more often, whether it’s to a friend, a stranger, or even to ourselves in the mirror. After all, a smile costs nothing but can make a world of difference, and can have a chain reaction.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?
The quote that resonates with me as a life lesson, with a focus on mental health, serves as an excellent reminder for those facing mental health challenges (i.e., all of us):
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain, and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.”
- Matt Haig
This quote highlights the fact that our mental health issues do not define us; they are simply experiences we go through. It is a helpful reminder for everyone because it is easy to become so absorbed in our mental health problems that we begin to believe they define us. This, in turn, can make us feel isolated and hopeless, as though there is no solution.
It is essential to remember that there is no shame in struggling with mental health, and seeking assistance is a sign of strength. By discussing mental health openly and honestly, we can eliminate the stigma surrounding it and offer support to those in need. The more we talk about mental health, the easier it will be for individuals to get the help they need without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
@taanvis.inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/taanvis.inspiration/
Uplift Teens Today
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076531627155
YouTube
Uplift Teens Today
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHpVCcZt_OkBOod3LAi9yA
Website
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
