This week we’re talking to Bayu Prihandito, founder of Life Architekture, certified psychology consultant and life coach. 

Hi, Bayu! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

I highly recommend journaling. It’s a simple yet profoundly effective practice for your mental health. It’s more than just writing; it’s a form of self-dialogue and reflection that I believe is accessible to anyone seeking balance and understanding in their lives.

Why is journaling your go-to recommendation?

Journaling has been a lifeline for me, especially during times of stress or when faced with tough decisions. It’s a therapeutic process that helps me untangle, observe and understand complex emotions and articulate my thoughts. It’s almost like holding a mirror to ourselves, reflecting our internal state. By writing down what’s happening in our minds, we can detach and gain better perspective and clarity.

The way I do journaling is by creating a dialogue between my immediate, reactive self and a more observant self that I call ‘higher self’. It’s similar to having a wise, unbiased friend within, offering you new perspectives and insights. Journaling is my safe space for expressing myself without any judgment. It helps me to organise my thoughts, track behaviour patterns and identify what triggers me.

What are the benefits of this kind of self-dialogue?

Journaling is all about developing mindfulness, emotional intelligence and grounding yourself in the now. It helps in recognising the fleeting nature of our emotions and thoughts, understanding that we are not defined by them. Being able to write down what’s happening within feels like I am literally emptying my head. Reflecting on these writings puts me as an observer of my own thoughts, helping me gain better clarity and finding clear solutions to both my personal and professional challenges.

Are there any ways we can go wrong?

The challenge with journaling is in starting and maintaining the habit. Trust me, it can often feel laborious, and at times boring or even unproductive. My solution is to set a regular schedule, even for just a few minutes a day, to help me build a powerful routine. When I feel like I have nothing to say, I’ll still show up and write just that because this is my feeling of the moment. And like with any habit, consistency is always the key.

How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

I have my own ritual for journaling. Whenever possible, I usually go to a quiet cafe, just like I’m taking myself out on a date. I put my headphones on, play some soft instrumental music and treat this session as a personal retreat, away from the outside distractions and agitation, just giving me the time and space to fully immerse myself in this reflective process.

How has doing this changed your life?

Journaling has been transformative. It helps me understand myself better and brings awareness to those unspoken thoughts and emotions. If things are not written down, I feel like they are so heavy in my head and there is no space anymore for anything new. That makes me anxious and feel uneasy. Through journaling, I know that I am heard and understood, free from judgment. It is a way of taking care of the most important relationship in this life, which is the relationship with oneself.

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

Images: Getty