Vi Truong’s Project: A Healthy Mindset

My name is Vi Trung Hien Truong. In this photovoice, the participant is my friend, Tra Tra, a 21-year-old female from Vietnam, and has consented to me using her images and written statements. She felt happy and agreed to support me for my Photovoice project on this topic. I chose my friend because she is my best friend since we was young, and I wanted to explore her experiences in life towards positivity.

“I am a college student, attending classes at school, I pay great attention to my health, especially mental health. I have many different hobbies to relax when I have free time, but about 2 years ago, when the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak, everyone was forced to stay at home, so everything around me seemed like they were all temporarily suspended. During hard time, I felt very cramped, uncomfortable having to stay at home all day, and my mental health was getting worse and worse. I gradually lost the motivation to study as well as the joy of studying, but without being too clear about the cause, all plans for my study seemed to have to be paused. I took the time to listen to myself and find a new hobby, so that my mind and spirit are always in a stable and best state. I tried reading books as I thought that if I let my mind gradually become empty, I would feel helpless in the current context at that time. Books help me explore the world through words. I have read many different genres of books, such as romance, detective, and even about life, to find the genre I like the most. Finally, I realized I like books with short stories surrounding the little things in life. Since then, I felt my spirit has become much more better, I look at life more positively every day after school, and instead of having to think about staying at home, through the lens of books, particularly short stories, make my day less burdensome.”-Tra

This picture and the Tra’s statement reflect that no matter the circumstances, the power to shape a positive outlook lies within the simplicity of everyday experiences and the joy derived from engaging in hobbies. As it can be a wonderful way to relax and maintain well-being. The power of a simple act—reading—to shape a positive outlook on life and because the ordinary becomes extraordinary through the lens of a positive mindset.

“I once heard that a person’s spirit will be better if he or she enjoys delicious food. I believe in that, so during the time I couldn’t leave the house because of the pandemic, I spent time cooking delicious dishes. Not only that, I would choose foods that supported my health. Mental health is one of those things that sometimes only a person can understand what they are going through. I believe that when the body is happy, eating well, and fully loaded with nutrients. Because of that, my spirit also improved. I also kept taking photos of the meals I cooked during that time so I could see that I still had a lot of happy things to do every day. I am still trying to maintain this diet every day. I feel very lucky in that, thanks to cooking and taking photos of food, I realized I love cooking; learning new recipes always attracts me, make me happy. Curious about how to create more and more special dishes? Seemingly basic things in life like eating and drinking also make me happier, and the positive energy in my life has increased day by day and has been maintained until now.”- Tra

My friend expresses a strong belief in the connection between enjoying delicious and nutritious food and maintaining a positive spirit, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. She found her interests and connection in the kitchen where becomes a haven where mental well-being is nurtured, and happiness is found in the simple joys of life. It is true that knowing the importance of finding joy in everyday experiences, particularly in the context of personal passions and the mindful cultivation of a healthy lifestyle.

“When it comes to eating a nutritious diet, one indispensable thing to help your body become healthier is exercise. Every day, I spend at least 2 hours practicing yoga. Yoga is not only helps me exercise but also helps me relax mentally. For one to two hours a day, I will focus on my own body, listening to every beat or muscle relaxation in my arms, legs, and abdomen. I also feel that yoga seems to help me eliminate negative thoughts; it helps me purify my mind and body. Every time I finish practicing, my body and mind are always refreshed and extremely comfortable. I was once commented on by close friends as an overthinker. When things don’t go as I planned, my spirit immediately plummets, and it pulls me into negative thoughts that I can’t do anything about every day. Every day I still read books, eat moderately, and exercise, making it seem like I take the time to listen to my body rather than immersing myself in negative thoughts. Nowadays, mental health also needs to receive more attention from everyone because, for me, the mind really affects every organ of the body.”- Tra

The image captures Tra in a yoga pose that symbolizing the synergy between mental tranquility and physical health. Tra’s dedication to spending at least two hours daily practicing yoga reflects a conscious effort to not only maintain physical health but also find mental tranquility. She wants to the best for herself, escaping negative thoughts by doing something has meaning in life. Also, reinforcing the message that mental well-being deserves attention and care. Besides, I definitely can realize the meaning about the importance of taking regular exercise which becomes a powerful tool for maintaining a positive mindset, breaking the cycle of overthinking.

Theme: The images and reflections collectively convey overcoming challenges, breaking free from negative thought patterns, and cultivating resilience through mindful practices like reading books, practicing yoga, and nutritious eating. I strongly believe the importance of mindfulness and finding joy in simple activities, actively working towards personal growth and mental well-being. A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. If we want to live healthier and fulfiller, encouraging individuals to take an active role in shaping their health and well-being for a fulfilling and extended life.

Expanding: The class provides essential readings and videos, focusing on mental health and the global implications of individual actions during the pandemic. Module 7.1: Health Humanities offers insights into the impact of staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic on human health and the environment. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual actions and global consequences, emphasizing the positive effects of staying at home during the pandemic.