April 7th - World Health Day

Why is April 7th an important date for me, for you, for everyone?

It is important because, on that date, World Health Day is celebrated every year under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). And what is health? Health is a state of complete MENTAL, PHYSICAL and SOCIAL well-being, and not just the absence of disease. 2021 is a follower of the previous year, a year that has put all of humanity on a major health challenge. 

The year 2021, like the previous year, in less than four months, "made" each individual think about their health, the health of their loved ones, the health of the wider community. The current COVID pandemic has taught us that we need to take much more care of both our physical and mental condition and health. Have the consequences of the new situation and the COVID pandemic bypassed us, the students? Of course not! 

Therefore, in the continuation of the text, in an interview with Prim. dr. Zlatko Kalabić, neuropsychiatrist, head of the Center for Mental Health Tuzla, we make recommendations for improving the mental state of the student, stability in learning, motivation, and perseverance. 

Ilma: Dear doctor, what are your recommendations for all students who are struggling with the current situation related to the COVID 19 pandemic? I believe that due to the new situation, all students have gone through different phases of getting used to "something new" that they have not encountered so far. In addition to everything, students are the ones who have to prepare for exams, study and in the end have positive results. 

Recommendations from doctor Zlatko on how to better focus, motivate and learn are:

1. Set your goal! 

1. Create and follow your daily routine. Have regular daily activities, such as work, exercise, study, even if they have to be performed “online”. Have a clear schedule of your meals during the day, as well as a defined time to go to bed and get up. Plan all activities. Let learning take up a good part of the day, I recommend it in the morning. 

1. Be connected to other people. If you feel sad or anxious, look at it as an opportunity to talk about your experience and the emotions you feel with family, friends, acquaintances because remember that we are all equal and we are all fighting the same pandemic.

1. Avoid conflicts and constantly watching TV and read portals.

1. A healthy lifestyle during a pandemic leads to improved focus, well-being, motivation... Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in your apartment if you are physically fit for it. Whenever you feel uncomfortable, try to breathe deeply, stretch.

1. Read "easy reading", motivational books, listen to motivational videos. 

1. Spend time in nature. 

1. Look forward to good results in advance. 

Ilma: Doctor, was there an increase in young people's appeals for psychological help during the pandemic? 

Doctor: Yes, it has been noticed that it is. What I want to say is that this is certainly normal and desirable and I recommend to all young people, students, that if they feel the need to talk to professionals, feel free to contact the nearest center.

Both professional and experiential conversation and advice can help a lot and improve health. I would just add to all this: Staying healthy is an active process in which we must be constantly involved. If you have nothing to do, working on yourself, there is always work to be done, because working on yourself leads to mental, physical, and social well-being, not only during the COVID pandemic but ALWAYS. 

Until the next reading - stay healthy.