Peace comes from physical labor.
Khanh Linh (26 years old, a communications employee in Ho Chi Minh City) recounted: “Recently, I happened to see a psychology PhD saying that the older generation certainly suffered from many psychological traumas because they experienced war and poverty… But those traumas were partly relieved because the main labor force at that time was manual labor, and I think that’s very true.” Three years after graduating, Linh has changed jobs six times, often only working for 2-4 weeks at many places before quitting, despite graduating with honors.
Falling into severe depression because she thought she couldn't pursue her dream career or survive in the job market, Linh was taken by her family to see a psychologist, and the first therapy she received was "running." "In the beginning, I could only run one lap around the park, about 700 meters, but it really did feel relaxing. After that, the doctor recommended 'forest bathing,' which involves running in nature and greenery for 30 minutes a day for 7 days. I noticed a significant change; I became more optimistic, and my body felt lighter. I slowed down, smelled the leaves, listened to the wind, and observed people: some in wheelchairs, some with crutches, some recovering from illness, but everyone was active, optimistic, meeting and chatting while running..." Linh shared excitedly.
A year ago, feeling lost and directionless, Nguyen Nguyet (30 years old, a teacher) was introduced to knitting and crocheting by a friend. She acknowledges: “Knitting and crocheting helped stabilize my mental state because it required focusing on the actions, counting stitches, and carefully watching instructional videos. Then I tried coloring, and found it much less stressful. Later, I gradually understood that these activities helped distract my brain, shifting my thoughts from work-related anxieties to another issue. Once my thoughts were stable, I returned to my old worries with a more relaxed mindset, and solving them was easier.”
Science has proven the quite effective emotional regulating effects of manual labor, sports, etc. Through physical activity, the brain releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which help reduce pain, promote relaxation, and increase healthy euphoria. Stress and anxiety can leave young people feeling "stuck in their heads," but manual labor helps them reconnect with their limbs, breath, and feel in control of their lives, leading to a greater sense of ease.
Creativity stems from patience.
Having once fallen into a state of crisis regarding his belief in life, and even contemplating using stimulants for escape, Thanh Vu (32 years old, an advertising department employee at a construction materials company) managed to stop and choose a different approach. “Painting and pottery are two difficult subjects, but precisely because they are difficult, they require intense mental effort to find solutions. Gradually, I built a new environment for myself, separate from the daily pressure. Not to mention, being creative during breaks has greatly helped in creating advertising materials – a win-win situation,” Vu shared. He also added that the issue isn't about choosing a particular method, but knowing when to take care of one's mental health: “Find rest and relaxation when you're only 60% exhausted, not when you're completely drained and forced to resort to extreme measures.”
For Nguyen Nguyet, since learning to knit and crochet, she has had many positive and fun topics to talk about with friends, such as sharing experiences on choosing yarn, color combinations, and knitting and crocheting techniques. Nguyet has also made a few small gifts like handbags with patchwork flowers, mesh styles, and braided styles to send to her mother and relatives on their birthdays in her hometown, and many types of scarves and woolen hats to send to relatives living abroad during the winter. "Actually, they're not particularly beautiful or outstanding, but the important thing is that I made them myself. Therefore, when friends and relatives receive these gifts, everyone is very happy and appreciative," Nguyet said.
Furthermore, having practiced painting for over a year has helped Nguyet improve her aesthetic sense and her ability to coordinate colors in clothing and furniture better, as her eyes are exposed to art and she has to think more about colors. She has also given up the habit of browsing social media and stopped thinking negatively about everything, leading to a better life. "My choices of knitting, crocheting, or painting weren't about becoming a craftswoman or artist; the important thing is that these activities have enriched my life and, of course, made me happier," Nguyen Nguyet confided.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/loi-thoat-cho-ap-luc-tinh-than-post808083.html
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