Russia: manual on dealing with stress and mental health for CSOs
A second handbook on psychological practices for cultural workers and CSOs has been published
26.12.2025
Article published on the ASI website
The Museums of the Russian North programme has released its second handbook of psychological practices: Texts, Practices and Meditations for Work and Life.
The guidance is intended for museum employees, CSOs and cultural institutions, as well as those looking for an equitable balance between work and personal wellbeing. It is a ready-made practical toolkit for replenishing energy levels, managing stress and improving mental health.
The manual combines theory with proven techniques, including centering and meditation practices, personal esteem exercises, tools for analysing team dynamics, as well as suggestions for better sleep, physical activity and digital hygiene.
The practices have been developed by five specialists and teams:
- Yulia Tertyshnaya – an executive coach and founder of the Institute of Humanity;
- Natalya Lipkanskaya – a crisis psychologist and mindfulness coach;
- Olga Davydova – an educational psychologist, PR adviser and specialist with the Jewish Museum’s Tolerance Centre;
- Anna Vladimirova – a physician and specialist in traditional Chinese medicine;
- The team behind the Buddha, the Brain and the Neurophysiology of Happiness project at the Tergar Meditation Centre, Russia.
The material in the handbook has been drawn from publications from the programme’s educational section on social media under the hashtag #PyschologicalEducationMRS. An electronic version can be downloaded free of charge via the Museums of the Russian North programme’s website.
The original manual, released in early 2024, received positive feedback from the museum community. The new edition expands on the subject matter and offers a more in-depth and diverse set of self-help tools.
The handbook was compiled by specialists from the Museums of the Russian North programme, run by the Dobrota Severa charity, with support from Severstal. The book is part of a systemic effort to provide psychological support to cultural professionals which has been carried out by the Museums since 2023.
