Good mental health is so important. You might have everything you’ve ever wanted ‘on paper’ and on the surface look like you’re absolutely smashing it in all areas of your life, but if you’re unhappy then none of it means much at all. The topic of mental health has become so much more talked about in recent years and the stigma is beginning to break, which is fantastic news for so many who would have simply struggled alone otherwise. While you should always contact your doctor if you’re worried about your mental health, there are actually lots of things you can do day to day to help keep the blues away. Some of them are really quite fun- here are some ideas!
Dance Therapy
Dance Therapy is a simple yet effective way to uplift your spirits and take care of your mental well-being. You don’t need to attend a formal dance class if you don’t want to, just put on your favorite tunes, clear some space in your living room and dance like no one’s watching! Dancing isn’t just about physical activity, it’s a powerful tool to release feel good endorphins in your brain and shake out tense muscles. This might feel silly at first but if you can just let loose and go crazy to your favorite songs, get your heart rate up and move all areas of your body you’ll feel so much better for it!
Spending Time in Nature
Nature Immersion is like a reset button for your mind- when we’re in nature, our stress levels drop and we start feeling less anxious. It also gets us moving, which boosts our mood and makes us feel better about ourselves. You could take a leisurely walk in the woods, sit quietly by a serene lake, or just lie down on the grass and watch the clouds float by- this is something so many of did in childhood but shouldn’t have stopped! Nature has this amazing ability to calm and rejuvenate us. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors can wash away stress and tension and leave you feeling grounded and connected.
Random Acts of Kindness
Random Acts of Kindness involves doing nice things for others without expecting anything in return. It could be as simple as buying someone’s coffee or leaving a positive note for a stranger. These acts not only brighten someone else’s day but also make you feel good inside. Helping others gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And the best part is that kindness is contagious. When you do something nice for someone, they’re more likely to do something nice for someone else, creating a ripple effect of positivity in the world. Engaging in acts of kindness can also boost your own well-being by triggering the release of feel good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. It instills a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting your overall sense of happiness and satisfaction with life too. You don’t have to have lots of money to donate or much at all to make a difference to people, but doing what you can to do something nice for another person can remind you of just how lucky you are to be able to do that.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy involves using creative activities like painting, sculpting or coloring to relax the mind and improve mental well-being. When you engage in these activities, your focus shifts away from worries and stressors, allowing your mind to enter a state of flow. This state of flow is where you become fully absorbed in the activity, losing track of time and feeling a sense of calmness and contentment.Expressing yourself through art provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to put into words. As you paint, sculpt, or color, you may find yourself uncovering hidden feelings or gaining insights into your inner world. This process of self discovery can be deeply therapeutic, helping you to process and release pent up emotions. The act of creating art stimulates the brain’s reward pathways, leading to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and happiness. This can uplift your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
Pet Therapy
Spending time with animals, also known as pet therapy, is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Whether you have a furry friend of your own or volunteer at an animal shelter, the benefits are undeniable. When you’re with animals, you can feel the tension melt away from your shoulders. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can lower stress and anxiety levels, leaving you feeling calmer and more at peace. Pets have this incredible ability to lift our spirits and make us feel loved and accepted just as we are. Whether it’s playing fetch with a dog, cuddling with a cat, or simply watching fish swim in a tank, being around animals can brighten even the gloomiest of days. Plus, animals don’t judge or criticize; they offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be incredibly comforting. Pet therapy has been shown to be so useful it’s even used in clinical settings. These animals create a safe, comforting environment, especially for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health issues.
Scream Therapy
Scream therapy can be a simple yet powerful way to release pent up emotions and alleviate stress. Research suggests that expressing emotions through screaming can provide immediate relief from feelings of frustration, anger or anxiety. This cathartic release allows you let go of negative energy and experience a sense of emotional release and renewal. To try scream therapy, find a private and secluded location where you feel comfortable expressing yourself freely. It could be a quiet outdoor spot like a park or a secluded room in your home. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself, then let out a loud scream, allowing all your emotions to flow out. While Scream Therapy can be beneficial, it’s essential to practice it safely and responsibly. Avoid screaming in public spaces where it may disturb or alarm others, and be mindful of your surroundings to make sure you stay safe.
Mindful Eating
Mindful Eating is a simple approach to nourishing your body and building a healthier relationship with food. By practicing mindfulness while you’re eating, you focus on savoring each bite, paying attention to the tastes, textures and the sensations of the food. So many of us wolf down our meals without properly paying attention and it can cause issues. To start practicing mindful eating, set aside distractions like phones or computers and creating a calm eating environment. Take a moment to appreciate the appearance and aroma of your food before taking the first bite. As you eat, chew slowly and deliberately, allowing yourself to fully experience the flavors and textures. Mindful eating encourages you to tune into your body’s signals of hunger and fullness, helping you develop a greater awareness of your eating habits and preferences. By being present in the moment during meals, you can better recognize when you’re truly hungry versus eating out of boredom or stress. This practice promotes a healthier relationship with food by creating a sense of appreciation and gratitude for nourishing your body. It can also aid in weight management and digestion by promoting more mindful portion control and reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Gaming
Gaming is often dismissed as just being for entertainment, but can actually be beneficial for mental health. Some types of gaming provide an immersive experience, providing a temporary escape from stressors and allowing individuals to relax. Certain types of games, like puzzles or strategy games like Minesweeper can improve your cognitive abilities like problem solving and decision making. These mental challenges help keep the mind sharp and engaged. Multiplayer games boost social connections and a sense of community, especially in online gaming communities. However, moderation is key as excessive gaming can lead to negative effects like social isolation or neglect of responsibilities. So enjoy gaming as a fun way to keep your mental health good, but have boundaries in place so you know when to stop.
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