Archana Darshan Misal’s Mission to Heal Hearts and Minds with Yoga
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 degree 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.
With 8 years of experience in counselling both online and offline, Archana has developed a deep understanding of how to help others through their personal challenges. Through her own experiences, Archana learned how powerful yoga can be in building resilience and inner strength. She discovered that yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a way to connect with oneself and find peace. This realisation inspired her to help others find healing and self-discovery through yoga.
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 well-being. 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.
Creating a Complete Yoga Routine
Archana’s yoga routine is thorough and supports overall well-being. It is designed to promote mindfulness, relaxation, and inner peace. Her routine begins with a yoga prayer, which helps her focus and set a positive intention for the practice.
After the prayer, Archana performs Sukshma Vyayam, gentle exercises that prepare the body for deeper practice. These exercises warm up the muscles and joints, making the body more flexible and ready for yoga poses.
Pranayama, or controlled breathing, is an essential part of Archana’s routine. It helps her calm her mind and improve mental clarity. By focusing on her breath, she can let go of stress and distractions.
The practice continues with asanas, physical postures that promote strength and flexibility. Archana chooses poses that suit her body and make her feel good. Each asana is performed with mindfulness and awareness, allowing her to connect with her body and mind.
The session ends with dhyan, meditation that nurtures inner peace. This final step helps Archana relax completely and feel refreshed. Meditation allows her to reflect on her practice and find stillness within.
Yoga as a Way of Life
Archana believes yoga is not just a remedy but a way of life. Yoga helps release happy hormones and keep the mind calm, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment for severe mental health conditions. Practising yoga regularly builds resilience and balance in life.
Archana encourages people to incorporate yoga into their daily lives, not just when they are feeling stressed or anxious. By making yoga a part of their routine, individuals can build emotional strength and improve their overall quality of life.
Future Goals
Archana prefers to keep her future plans a secret, but her goals are clear. She wants to reach as many people as possible and spread awareness about the positive effects of yoga and mental health. Her mission is to break the stigma around mental health and inspire others to prioritise their well-being.
Archana is committed to making a difference in people’s lives and hopes to continue her work as a yoga teacher and counsellor. She believes that everyone deserves to feel happy and healthy, and she wants to help as many people as possible achieve that.
A Light of Hope
Archana Misal’s journey from experiencing anxiety to becoming a yoga teacher and counsellor shows the power of self-awareness and holistic practices. Her dedication to helping others and breaking the stigma around mental health is inspiring.
Through her work, Archana empowers people to start their own journeys of healing and growth. She provides them with the tools and support they need to improve their mental health and well-being. Archana continues to inspire and teach, her commitment to mental health awareness and yoga being a beacon of hope in today’s world.
