Writing My Way to Wellness: Mental Health Tips for Expats in Korea

LIFE

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23 Nov 2024

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4 minute read

by Greta

Source: Martina Calvi on Pinterest

https://it.pinterest.com/pin/1900024837678992/

At the beginning, moving to South Korea was filled with excitement and new experiences, but being far from my family quickly became a main source of discomfort. The warmth of familiar conversations and shared meals was replaced by video calls across time zones and a deep sense of longing.

Writing, which I already knew as a healing practice, took on a new meaning in Korea, offering comfort and perspective when homesickness felt overwhelming.

I realized that many of you, whether you’ve been in Korea for a while or just arrived to start your new journey, might be experiencing similar feelings. In this article, I’ll be discussing mental health and how writing can be more than just an escape from reality—it can be an incredible companion when you need one.

The Power of Creative Writing

The first step, if you're unfamiliar with the art of writing down your thoughts, is to find what works best for you. Some people prefer the tactile experience of writing on paper, while others might find typing on a laptop or tablet more practical in terms of time and cost. Typing is usually faster, easier to edit, and eliminates the need to search for the perfect notebook or diary for your stream of consciousness.

If you still prefer the charm of pen and paper, grab your favorite pen and start writing. If you’re new to this therapeutic practice, you might find yourself staring at a blank page with no idea where to begin. That’s where prompts can be incredibly helpful. In journaling, prompt writing is a popular technique for setting goals and reflecting on who you were, who you are, and who you want to become.

As time passes, you’ll inevitably grow and change, and revisiting these entries in a few years can be a meaningful way to remind yourself of what you achieved during your time at university. A great way to start is by writing one prompt per day for 30 days.

This is a moment just for you, so set aside time to engage in this simple but powerful practice. Reflect on what you want from life right now and put it into words.

To make things easier, I’ve included some prompt ideas below that I found online to help you get started.