Claudia Ciesla: It’s Important to Pause, Reflect, and Acknowledge How You Feel

Mumbai:Actress and celebrity nutritionist Claudia Ciesla believes that mental well-being deserves as much attention as physical health, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

“For me, it’s important to pause, reflect, and acknowledge how we’re truly feeling inside,” she said.

“We must slow down and pay attention to our inner state. Personally, I see it as an act of compassion—towards ourselves and others. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect but about accepting that we all go through phases and that seeking help or taking time for self-care is perfectly okay,” she added.

She acknowledges that the entertainment industry can be intense with long hours, constant scrutiny, and uncertainty about projects, but for her, maintaining a balance is the key. She said, “I try not to let success or setbacks define my self-worth. Instead, I focus on giving my best to every project, enjoying the process, and then letting go of what’s beyond my control. I’ve learned that discipline, self-awareness, and surrounding yourself with positive, genuine people make a big difference.”

“Over the years, I’ve also learned to take breaks when needed and not feel guilty for doing so. Mental rest is as essential as physical rest, especially in a creative field,” she added.

Claudia believes that open dialogue about mental well-being is very important, especially by public figures and celebrities. She said, “When public figures or actors speak about their emotional challenges, it reminds others that fame or success doesn’t make anyone immune to struggles. In the past, such issues were often ignored or even judged, but today, awareness is growing—and that’s a big step forward. Talking about it normalizes the experience, encourages empathy, and motivates people to seek help. I think the more we share real stories, the faster we can break the stigma.”

“It’s important to talk about it—but even more important to talk about the solutions. Sharing struggles helps people feel less alone, but discussing how we overcame them gives hope. I believe public figures have a responsibility to lead by example, not just by opening up about their challenges but by showing what helped them heal. That’s how we can turn awareness into empowerment,” she added.

Claudia agrees that social media can be a difficult place, but she has learned to take it lightly. She said, “Social media can be both a blessing and a challenge. It connects us to our audience, but it also exposes us to constant comparison and judgment. I’ve learned to take social media lightly—I use it as a platform to inspire, share positivity, and connect with my followers, but I never let it define my self-esteem.”

“If I ever feel overwhelmed, I disconnect for a while and focus on real-life experiences. The key is to use it consciously and not let it consume you,” she added.

On her daily wellness practices, Claudia shared, “Meditation and visualization are powerful tools. Meditation helps calm my mind and keeps me grounded, while visualization allows me to focus on goals with a positive mindset. Exercise, too, plays a huge role—it’s my best stress relief method.”

“A good workout instantly boosts my mood and helps release any negative energy. Together, these practices create a balance between mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical strength,” Claudia concluded.