Happiful August 2020

Mental health
matters
In 2016, Ruqsana Begum became the world’s first
female Muslim boxing champion. Despite facing
prejudice and the weight of anxiety, depression,
and chronic fatigue syndrome, Ruqsana went on to
captain the British Muay Thai team, and made her
professional boxing debut in March 2018. Here, she
talks about the importance of support systems, and the
tips she uses to stay focused on her goals
Image | Instagram: @ruqsanabegum_mt
Mental health matters to me
because... we can have a more
fulfilled and happier life if we
know how to seek the right
support. Identifying it helps us
deal with stressful circumstances
more effectively, alongside
having your support system
in place. I find it so important
to recognise that we will all
encounter some level of mental
health issues throughout our life,
and so we all need techniques to
address it.
I cultivate a healthy mindset by...
first respecting my mind and
body, and then by being kind to
myself and others through words
and actions. The charity work I
do is also really important to my
mindset, as what I consume and
surround myself with is crucial,
as it influences my choices
on a daily basis. I’m growing
constantly and consistently to
achieve my higher potential, not
living in fear of the outcome. Find
out who you are, set goals, work
towards them, and take action.
I first knew kickboxing was
something I wanted to pursue...
when I saw Bruce Lee and
Muhammad Ali on television as a
child, and I was fascinated by the
sheer skill and discipline of these
amazing human beings.
Kickboxing makes me feel... alive.
When I’m training, I’m being
challenged mentally, physically,
emotionally, and spiritually.
When I need support I... try to
remember to be my best self each
and every day, to live life in the
present, and prepare for the future
by being present.
When I need some self-care, I...
take time out from my day to have
long baths, enjoy classical music,
talk and engage with others, and
appreciate their point of view –
even if it’s different to mine.
People I find inspiring online are...
Joe Rogan, the American mixed
martial arts commentator – I find
his podcast really insightful. I
also really enjoy listening to Dr
Joe Dispenza, especially his ‘The
Power of Your Thoughts’ talks.
Three things I would say to
someone struggling are... take a
deep breath, turn this situation
into an opportunity – there is
always a silver lining – and don’t
judge the situation, embrace it.
The moment I felt most proud
of myself was... when I finally
accepted who I am. We all have
gifts to share with the world,
whether that’s being a good
communicator or showing
tenacity. It’s not how many times
you get knocked down, it’s how
many times you pick yourself up
that counts.
‘Born Fighter’ by Ruqsana Begum, is
out now (£12.99, Simon & Schuster).