1.Start a “free” journal.
Journaling ‘freely’, as its name reflects refers to writing down thoughts that cross your mind, makes you worry, the person you argued with, a conversation you had or how your meeting went. You can write out your emotions, your dreams, wishes… and the list goes on. Keeping a journal brings awareness to our daily events, experiences, alleviate our stress by reducing its intensity and may shed light on our unhealthy patterns which we can then analyze through self-development.
2. Exercise.
It has been scientifically proven that regular sport and exercise improve the emotional state of a person and helps to reduce depression, anxiety and stress.
3. Be creative.
A well-known saying by the father of psychoanalysis, Freud, said creativity is what makes a person more psychologically healthy. Engaging in creative activities redirects our negative energy derived from experiences, trauma and fears channelling them into positivity. This allows us to be more connected to ourselves, our values, way of life and through this connection, foster long-term stable relationships with others.
4. Helping others.
It has been said by ancient philosophers that lending a hand to others is a powerful virtue for continuous wellbeing. A person usually heals, feels better when they help others.
5. Social contacts.
This is what we are all practically deprived of today. Let’s hope everything will return to normal sooner or later. Rather than just a ‘healing’ component, social contact is essential to the normal functioning of a person. Nevertheless, connecting socially whether with one significant other or in groups are necessary for all of us. As social beings, physical contact is also extremely import. Therefore, (when there is such an opportunity) friendly get-togethers, meetings with those closest to you, group sports outings, participation in hobby clubs, professional events and other gatherings are vital to our mental health.
6. Professional implementation.
It is common for many people to hold their profession, career or job as a contributing factor that contributes to strong mental health. By that statement, I do not mean immerse yourself in only work or workaholism as it’s termed. To have a professional goal that not only provides you financial stability, comfort and security, yet contributes to self-esteem and determination. Additionally, it strengthens a person’s ability to excel and grow which provide meaning.
7. Connection with nature.
Nature nurtures us strength and energy. This may go unnoticed. But once we lose that connection of interacting with our natural environment, we immediately notice that something is wrong …
8. This second last point is for migrants.
I am deeply convinced that in order to maintain psychological health, it is important for migrants not only to adapt and integrate into their new environment, yet be mindful not to lose touch with their culture and the roots of their identity. My kind advice here is guided by the ability to maintain or slightly improve your mental health but is not about serious personal restructuring. Which can often be achieved either through experiencing life-altering crises or with the help of long-term psychotherapy.
9. If nothing above helps or proves to help only for a short time, I highly suggest seeing a psychotherapist or a counsellor, who is professionally trained to uncover certain hidden processes. The therapeutic process may cause emotional suffering through specific techniques and interventions as well as assist them to heal.
Olga Koronovskaia
