(In increasing order of efficacy)
Rhythm
Repeating a pattern over time induces Rhythm.
When someone was asked to ‘take a hike’, I think the underlying message meant ‘go for a walk in nature to clear your thoughts’. Before it took on a dismissive, rude connotation, the idea may have been an invitation to find peace through solitude and movement, a gentle nudge to step away and reconnect with oneself in the rhythm of your footsteps.
Flow
A steady, continuous stream creates flow — just as writing creates a seamless flow of words. Brew a cup of coffee; it’s even more perfect if it rains. Find a cozy, well-lit corner, and write without restraint. As your hand grips the pen like a live connection, let your mind pour out everything, unfiltered. Soon, the flow will take over, sifting through the jumble of thoughts, gradually sorting what matters from what does not, until your mind feels lighter, and clarity emerges like the sun from behind the clouds after the rains.
Senses
Harness the power of your senses to process your emotions.
Cooking is one of the rare activities that engages all five senses — touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste — creating a symphony of sensations in the quiet of your kitchen. Stir your emotions into the dish, blending a dash of anger as fiery chili flakes, a hint of bitterness as zesty lime, and a generous spoonful of unsalted joy as smooth butter. As you whisk and fold your feelings together, the kitchen fills with the aroma of your soul, crafting the perfect recipe for a calm and grounded mind.
I once had a flatmate who channeled her emotions into cleaning. Her way of processing the turmoil within was to restore order around her. When we awoke to find the microwave spotless or the fridge sparkling, we would gently ask her, “Are you doing okay?”. For my friend, cleaning was her way of regaining control, seeking comfort, and finding peace.
Salt Water
Whatever Saltwater means for you — whether it’s going for a run to break a sweat or sitting quietly in a corner and letting the tears flow. Saltwater, in any form, is a powerful remedy, proven to cleanse and heal. This is beautifully captured in a poem by a writer I admire, Brianna Wiest, suggesting that sometimes the cure for what ails us is as natural as sweat, tears, or the sea.
‘You have collected all my tears in your bottle, you have recorded each one in your book (Ps 56:8)’ — King David.
Conversations
We’ve all experienced how a heartfelt conversation with someone we love or who genuinely cares for us can lift our spirits. The warmth of their words, the kindness in their tone, and the understanding in their eyes have a way of making us feel seen, valued, and supported. These exchanges don’t just brighten our mood — they remind us of the beauty of connection and the healing power of relationships.
Prayer
Prayer is NOT wishful thinking; it's NOT a tool to manifest thoughts into reality, it is a conversation with the Creator carried on the medium of faith. A lot of prayers are like seeds, that take time to germinate. God often provides the nutrients, water, and sunshine required for that seed to grow into the blessing that was prayed for, and our role is to trust his timing.
Yet, why do some prayers seem to be answered, while others remain unanswered? As C.S. Lewis wisely said,
“You can’t know, you can only believe — or not.”
Faith invites us into the mystery, to quietly trust, that even in silence, God is present, working His will in His ways and in His time, which is beyond our understanding...
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
A deeper investigation
When one too many bad days are had in the same month or even the same week, it might be a time to reflect on mental health levels. This could be a passing phase if you are going through a major life change. But if that isn’t the case, it is worthwhile to make some adjustments. While physical ailments can be debilitating and bring our day-to-day activities to a halt, they are more or less temporary and with an end in sight. Mental struggles, however, while less visible, often have a deeper impact, shaping our life choices, clouding our vision for the future, limiting our dreams, and discoloring the world in shades of gray. Therapy, medication, soaking up more sunlight, a walking marathon or even getting a pet may at best provide short-lived feelings of relief, they don’t address the internal issue at the core. True healing begins internally. It starts with hard work like learning to forgive, accepting forgiveness, letting go of past hurts and regrets, which will re-wire the faulty perceptions and unhelpful attitudes with which we view the world. Sometimes, if we are fortunate and blessed, we may discover a deeper connection with God along this journey. Because if you can muster the courage to trust and believe in a God big enough to guide your story, you will have a well of grace to forgive anybody.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13–14
Life is undeniably beautiful and yet fleeting, do not settle for anything less than days brimming with joy.
