Page 19 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 85 | OCTOBER 2017

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Never underestimate the power of positive self-talk.
Everyone talks to themselves. Some people more than
others, but whether you’re doing it out loud or in your
head, you’re generally having an ongoing conversation
with yourself. So why not make it a positive one? Try
changing your negative thoughts into positive ones. You
might be surprised at how beneficial it can be. Instead
of telling yourself “I can’t do this,” change your words
to “I’ll do the best I can.” The simple alteration in words
sTress-reDucIng acTIvITIes: can completely change your attitude. Instead of saying
“everything is going wrong,” try “I can handle things
• Take up an old or new hobby if I take one step at a time.” Your positive self-talk will
• Read something you usually wouldn’t affect your behaviour for the better. And, the best part
• Go for a run or play a sport is that by doing this, you can help yourself without being
• Sew or knit dependent on someone to change your mood for you.
• Watch an old movie
• Play cards or board games sTEP 4: sEEK suPPORT
• Meet family and friends
• Start a scrapbook A lot of people think that they have to deal with their
• Count to 10 before you speak stress alone. That’s not always the case! People can
• Take three to five deep breaths be as great stress-relievers as they can be causers. You
• Go for a walk just have to find the right people to be around. It can be
• Redo your room tough to open up to others about your life, but holding
• Set your watch five to 10 minutes things inside can cause further stress. It’s best to get it
ahead to avoid being late out than keep it in. If talking to a friend or a loved one
• Cook something healthy for yourself is too much for you, open up to a stranger. Talking to
• Hug a loved one strangers gives you perspective and insight that you may
• Consider self-meditation not be able to get from someone you know well. Seeking
support isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength. You care
about yourself enough to want to help yourself.

sTREssbusTERs uNdERgRAduATE sTudENT IN
Though what you feel may be different, the AusTRALIA, RuKsANA NARANg
circumstances you’re facing may be familiar to others.
Masala asks various kinds of people dealing with all “I do get homesick at times and in order to deal
sorts of problems about how they combat their stress. with that, I constantly surround myself with my
Perhaps there’s someone you can relate to! loving friends who have now become my family
here in Sydney. I have a good group of friends
who are also from Bangkok and I meet up with
them regularly, which really helps. I get stressed
extremely easily and honestly, communication
for me is the key in dealing with stress.”
sTarTIng a new job aT
MCKINsEY & COMPANY ThAILANd,
AdARsh NARANg
wORKINg MOThER LIvINg IN guAM,
“Balancing between a demanding internship, rasmeeT sachDej
my last semester at university and my CFA
level 1 exam has been intense. It has led to
an immense workload and pressure on my “Being away from loved ones is always difficult but
shoulders. I dealt with this situation the same having an extremely supportive husband has made
way I have always dealt with other stressful this life change completely worth it. My husband has
circumstances – by running outdoors. held my hand and become my strength in everything
Running makes one mentally as well as I do. We help each other through all of our challenges
physically stronger and instills a sense of which includes raising our daughter together, while
discipline too. As long as I can fit a run into we both pursue our careers. He never lets me doubt
my daily schedule, I’ll be okay.” my parenting skills and trusts that I know what
is best for her. Communication is a priority in our
relationship. My family and my in-laws are the pillars
in my life. They have made me stronger and helped
me make Guam my home.”
FORMER Ib sTudENT,
AMMIKA sINghsAChAKuL

NEw hOusEwIFE LIvINg IN swEdEN,
“I made sure that I kept up with things that RAshMEEN dOOwA
I enjoyed, like dancing, reading and peer
tutoring, as these activities kept me relaxed
and also gave me something to look forward “When it’s time to move away from home, that’s
to once I completed an assignment. I also when you value what’s left behind the most.
found it extremely useful to create short What I try to do is stay positive and do things that
to-do lists that I could decorate, which would keep me moving. I like being active and trying
give me the satisfaction of crossing out as I different outdoor activities and sports. Other
went along with each challenge that came days I practice learning Swedish or I am busy
with IB.” reading books in the library or the parks because
it’s so beautiful in the summer. I started cooking
recently and that’s been calming.”

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