Domestic workers’ job is often taking care of others. However, to better take care of others, we need to take good care of ourselves first. Furthermore, we need to take care of not only physical health but also mental health. As emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no health without mental health. Let’s try some of these tips to help you feel better and happier:
Make connections with others. You can join peer support groups or attend community events to meet people and make friends in your free time. Talking to others who understand how you feel can be therapeutic. Nowadays, besides in-person activities, many peer support activities are also online for easy access.
Take “Me Time” and enjoy it. Reserve some time, even just 10 minutes, every day for yourself. Do things you enjoy, like reading, meditation, singing, dancing, drawing, or listening to music. Taking walks or exercising can also help you feel good.
Take steps to handle your stress. To manage your stress, try things like deep breathing, meditation or stretching exercises. These can help you feel calm and less anxious. Remember, you can think and act better when you calm down.
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. If you feel sad, anxious, or stressed all the time, or if you’re having trouble coping with everyday life, it is no shame to seek help. It is okay not to be okay, and it shows your resilience to seek help. Besides seeking help from your friends, you can also try to contact social service professionals or chat with our trained volunteers.
Taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as taking care of your physical health. With these practices, you can improve your resilience and enjoy a more fulfilling life. Let’s pay attention to our mental health and prioritize self-care for a better future.
Examples of community resources. More can be found in the resources directory:
1. The Mission for Migrant Workers: This is an organization in Hong Kong that provides a range of services to migrant domestic workers, including counseling, legal advice, and education. They also have a helpline that you can call for support. (Helpline: 2522 8264. Source: https://www.migrants.net/)
2. The Samaritans Hong Kong: This is a 24-hour hotline that provides emotional support to anyone in distress, including migrant domestic workers. You can call them for free and anonymously. (24 Hours Hotline: 2896 0000. Source: https://samaritans.org.hk/ )
3. Helps for Domestic Workers: It is a non-profit organization that offers a range of programs to help migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. This organization has a professional counselling team that provides emotional support and guidance on legal rights, financial management, and personal safety. They also offer training and education programs, including courses on cooking, baking, and computer skills. (Source:https://helpfordomesticworkers.org/en/home/)
4. Domestic Workers Corner Hong Kong: It is an online peer support group that provides support and referral services to migrant domestic workers on all sorts of issues. It also organizes training and social activities for migrant domestic workers. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/DWCornerHK/)
