Estimated reading time: 3 mins
Once upon a time, I was just like you — overworked, overwhelmed, and simply too busy to think about anything else other than my ever-expanding to-do list. I was caught up in a whirlwind of tasks and deadlines, forgetting about the most important aspect of my life: my mental health.
I realized that I wasn’t alone. Countless people, just like me, were trapped in this cycle of continuous hustling without sparing a thought for their mental wellbeing. I felt the urge to do something, to bring about a change, and that’s when the idea struck me: “What about writing a book?”
The concept of “Mental Wellbeing for Busy People” wasn’t just a fleeting thought, but a realization of the urgent need of the hour. However, the path from thought to action wasn’t as straightforward as I initially thought. I had never written a book before. How was I supposed to start? Where was I supposed to start? Yet, the vision of contributing to the mental wellness of people was too compelling, so I plunged into the journey headfirst.
The first step was the toughest — preparation. As a person who had always been more of an improviser than a planner, I found the sheer idea of outlining a book daunting. Yet, I knew I had to understand my audience and set the right structure before I wrote even a single word.
I began by asking myself, “Who am I writing this book for?” The answer was simple: people like me, caught up in the bustling chaos of life, forgetting to prioritize their mental health. But how could I reach them? I began researching, spending hours exploring the psychology behind stress and burnout, the effect of busyness on our mental health, and the numerous ways to alleviate it. My living room table was a sea of books and research papers.
Once I understood my audience, the next step was to outline the book. The blank page syndrome struck me hard — the intimidating sight of an empty word document, waiting for me to populate it with ideas. I had numerous thoughts but didn’t know how to arrange them. The thought of ‘chapter one’ sent shivers down my spine.
I sought advice from accomplished authors, who suggested starting with a mind map, jotting down my thoughts as they came without worrying about order or coherence. It was a liberating exercise. Soon, patterns emerged, ideas grouped together naturally, and the skeleton of my book took shape. I had the broad chapters defined, from identifying mental stressors to self-care strategies to achieving work-life harmony.
With the preparation in place, I moved onto the most exciting yet intimidating part – writing the first page. They say the first step is the hardest, but it’s also the most important. That single step can propel you into motion, and before you know it, you’re on a roll.
I stared at my computer screen, the blank page taunting me with its whiteness. I typed a sentence, deleted it, typed another, deleted it again. This continued for a while until I reminded myself of the purpose of this book: to help people. That’s when I began writing from my heart.
“Life is busy. It can feel like we are caught in a relentless whirlwind of duties and deadlines, leaving us exhausted, stressed, and anxious. But amidst this chaos, it’s essential to remember one thing – it’s okay to pause, breathe and prioritize yourself.” That was the first line of my book.
So, I decided to write a book. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, a testament to my willpower, and a plunge into the unknown. I was a busy person with a mission to help other busy people find mental wellbeing. It has been a humbling and empowering experience, and as I continue to pour my heart and soul into these pages, I hope to impact lives positively, one word at a time.
