Jay Shetty ON 5 Mindfulness Practices for Stress Relief

This On Purpose episode covers an interview with Jay Shetty.

He was a guest on The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God. Jay shares how his decision to become a monk forever altered the course of his life. He opens up about learning new things about himself and his reverse shock when he came back to London after living in an ashram for three years.

A City Kid's Unexpected Journey to Monkhood

Jay Shetty's childhood wasn't filled with dreams of spirituality or monkhood. Instead, he was a regular London-born kid, intrigued by the journey of individuals from humble beginnings to substantial success.

An unexpected turn of events occurred when Jay attended a talk by a monk at his university, persuaded by his friends. This decisive encounter triggered an awakening within him, initiating his desire for a life characterized by purpose, service, and profound happiness - principles he saw embedded in the monk's life.

The shift from a city boy to a dedicated monk was difficult, but Jay Shetty embraced the change wholeheartedly. His monastic life consisted of waking up at 4 am, followed by 4-8 hours of meditation, breakfast, and daily chores, and finally dedicating the rest of the day to service activities like feeding the homeless and building sustainable villages. He found a harmonious balance in this lifestyle, enabling him to master himself while serving others.

Jay Shetty pointed out the existence of various monk schools worldwide. The key is to find a mentor who resonates with you, as he did outside Mumbai, India. Even though he left his monastic life many years ago, his experiences during that time continue to impact his life profoundly, emphasizing the enduring power of purpose, service, and the quest for genuine happiness.

Stable Job vs. Purpose

Once Jay Shetty completed his three-year journey as a monk, he faced a pivotal moment of uncertainty. He initially believed that monkhood was his lifelong path, but doubts arose as he delved deeper into self-awareness. He questioned whether he was truly qualified to be a monk, realizing that it required letting go of his rebellious nature and the calling in his heart to share wisdom in a modern, relatable way.

This realization led Jay to a crossroads where he had to make a difficult decision. Understanding his desire to reach a broader audience, the monks encouraged him to explore other avenues. However, leaving behind his monastic life was challenging. When he returned to the outside world, he indulged in old habits, felt like a failure, and moved back in with his parents at 26. Burdened by a debt of $25,000 from his university days, Jay Shetty experienced a period of self-doubt and pressure.

The transition was not met with universal approval. While his parents remained supportive, Jay faced skepticism and criticism from extended family members and society. He encountered comments suggesting he would never find a job again or make money, implying that he had committed career suicide. This external noise weighed heavily on him, amplifying his feelings of pain and pressure.

Overcoming The Denial Phase

While becoming a monk initially provided Jay Shetty with a sense of purpose, the feeling of suppressing his true calling became psychologically challenging. He had become attached to the monastic lifestyle, considering it his purpose. However, disconnecting from that identity felt like going through a divorce or losing the job of his dreams.

The aftermath of leaving the monastery led Jay Shetty into a period of denial and depression. He struggled to accept his emotional state for months, fearing that acknowledging it would worsen the situation. Eventually, he recognized that he had been trained in the principles necessary to overcome his depression but had avoided and neglected them. Returning to the practices he had learned as a monk, such as meditation, reading scriptures, and establishing routines, Jay slowly emerged from the depths of his depression.

It was during this journey of self-renewal that Jay Shetty experienced a profound realization. He understood that purpose should not be solely tied to external factors like a job or marital status. Instead, he recognized that true purpose transcended these aspects of life. His ambition became clear - to make mindfulness, meditation, and mental well-being accessible and relevant to individuals who had never considered these practices.

He began sharing his knowledge and wisdom with friends and acquaintances who sought advice on managing stress and finding inner peace. This organic process led him to work with people in corporate organizations, where he witnessed the transformative impact of mindfulness and meditation. Speaking at companies, coaching individuals, and even teaching meditation to a large audience, Jay realized the power of his work and its practical applicability across diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

Training The Mind

Jay Shetty highlighted several advantages of meditation, including mood enhancement, immune system boosting, and its crucial role in balancing brain chemicals. While our modern lives are saturated with dopamine-inducing stimuli, a life of meditation cultivates serotonin and oxytocin, promoting equilibrium and emotional well-being.

Charlamagne tha God shared his journey of struggling to find stillness and silence during meditation until he discovered the calming influence of a mantra and counting beads. It can be challenging to attain mental calmness and tranquility when meditation means making time for oneself and building self-awareness.

Jay Shetty discussed the practice of counting beads, which he learned as a monk. The use of beads engages all the senses, allowing for a heightened presence. By involving the hands, mouth, and ears in the process, individuals become more attuned to the present moment. This practice of counting beads helps cultivate mindfulness and deeper focus.

Moreover, Jay clarified that meditation is, at its core, making time to spend with oneself. It involves three key components: breathwork, visualization, and mantra or sound. These elements enable individuals to navigate emotions, prepare their minds, and find inner peace. The physical posture or location is less important than the commitment to establishing a meditation practice.

Furthermore, Jay emphasized the importance of being present in the moment and cultivating mindfulness. He spoke about the power of truly being where one's feet are rather than allowing the mind to wander and constantly dwell on past or future concerns. By embracing mindfulness, individuals can fully engage with their surroundings, harness their energy, and make a meaningful impact on those around them.

From Broke to The Huffington Post

Jay Shetty revealed that after leaving the monastic life in 2013, he faced significant challenges in securing a job and being rejected by 40 companies. Despite his qualifications and aspirations to spread the message of mindfulness and meditation, media companies turned him down. However, the rejections only fueled his determination to reach a wider audience and make a difference.

Determined to find a way, Jay Shetty attended a TV training day for ethnic minorities organized by the BBC. They informed him that no media jobs were available, so they suggested he start a YouTube channel. Initially skeptical, he eventually embraced the idea as his last option. He started creating videos and, within three months, caught the attention of Arianna Huffington, who discovered his content on the Huffington Post. She offered to feature his videos on their platform, propelling his message to a broader audience. This exposure led to tremendous success, with millions of views and newfound recognition.

Danny Shea, a friend of Jay's, played a crucial role in facilitating the connection with the Huffington Post. Jay Shetty messaged him persistently, urging him to give him a job. Eventually, after 30 days of relentless pursuit, he received a job offer and a visa to move to New York City in September 2016. He joined the Huffington Post as a senior host and producer, a position he held for approximately six months.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunity

Jay Shetty reflected on his challenges when launching his podcast, On Purpose. Despite initial doubts from others and rejection from podcast companies, he persisted and built the podcast on his own. He mentioned his first major guest, Russell Brand.

He expressed appreciation for the joy he experienced sitting down with various individuals who left a lasting impression on him with his presence and grounding. Jay's journey involved navigating the obstacles of job hunting after leaving monkhood, eventually finding an opportunity with the Huffington Post, and moving to the United States. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities driven by passion and purpose.

Using Technology Wisely

Charlamagne tha God raised the issue of balancing technology's positive and negative impacts, particularly on mental health. In response, Jay Shetty acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital world. However, he also emphasized the importance of offering alternatives and choices.

As a creator, Jay purposefully uses social media to support friends and share valuable content. He limits his time on social media and refrains from using it first thing in the morning to protect his mindset and set a positive intention for the day. He views technology as a tool that can be used wisely to give people choices and alternatives that promote mental well-being.

Five Free Daily Habits for Improving Mental Health

Especially in times of insecurity, taking a break and looking inward is worthwhile. Jay Shetty presented five daily habits that help us improve our mental health.

• Thankfulness and Gratitude

Jay emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude and thankfulness daily. He acknowledged the tendency to overlook the "in-between people." He encouraged listeners to be specific and personalized when expressing gratitude. He suggested contacting one person daily for seven days, whether through a text, voice note, email, or message, expressing genuine appreciation.

• Daily Inspiration

Jay advocated for starting the day with an inspiring thought or quote. He recounted his experiences finding inspiration in speeches, such as Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech and Matthew McConaughey's Oscar acceptance speech. Incorporating inspiring words into our daily routines can uplift our spirits and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

• Meditation for Mindfulness

Jay recommended his daily practice, The Daily Jay, which involves dedicating seven minutes to mindfulness. Regular meditation allows individuals to cultivate a sense of presence, clarity, and inner peace.

• Physical Exercise

Recognizing the connection between physical and mental well-being, Jay Shetty emphasized the necessity of regular exercise. Whether completing 10,000 steps, participating in virtual workouts, or even enjoying a dance party, moving our bodies is crucial for physical and mental health. Jay encouraged listeners to find desired activities and habitually incorporate movement into their daily routines.

• Quality Sleep

Jay underscored the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being. He highlighted the significance of the hours before midnight when the human growth hormone (HGH) is most active. He recommended a few hours of sleep before midnight to optimize sleep quality. By prioritizing sleep and aligning our sleep schedules with our body's natural rhythm, we can experience improved energy levels and overall vitality.

Jay Shetty's five daily habits—thankfulness, inspiration, meditation, exercise, and sleep—provide actionable steps for improving mental health. By applying them, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and experience positive changes in their daily lives. These habits are simple, accessible, and free. They are easily attainable for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and cultivate a more fulfilling life.

More From Jay Shetty

Listen to the entire On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast episode on “5 Mindfulness Practices for Stress Relief in Any Workplace & 5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Focus” now in the iTunes store or on Spotify. For more inspirational stories and messages like this, check out Jay’s website at jayshetty.me.