I appreciate and value the outside perspectives, experiences and voices of others, and I welcome guest posts on a variety of subjects. Marjorie has been the first person who has ever randomly reached out after discovering my website, and she asked/offered to provide a guest post on my blog.
I am happy to share her insights on 8 Out of the Box Ways to Improve Mental Health. You can find more of her content on her website, Come On, Get Well.
Just like your body needs exercise, rest, and good food, your mind needs stimulation, fun, and de-stressing. Without proper mental care, you may experience problems like negative thinking, tiredness, and anxiety. To help keep your mind in good shape, I offer eight out-of-the-box suggestions below:
Hug a tree
Hugging a tree sounds weird but can be incredibly beneficial. According to the Ecohappiness Project, the practice makes you feel calmer, soothes your anxiety, and promotes feelings of well-being and calm. For the best results, find a tree you like and hug it tightly. Focus on how it makes you feel, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and be grateful.
Go window shopping
According to an IndustryWired piece, shopping is therapeutic. Many people take to shopping when they’re feeling sad or down for a pick-me-up. Window shopping can be as fun as shopping but is much lighter on your wallet. You can visit a local mall, try on clothes, check out cool gadgets, and partake in other similar fun activities.
Learn martial arts like judo
Martial arts is a fun way to exercise and spend your time. It also has many significant mental benefits – when you know how to take care of yourself, you feel more confident, empowered, and secure in yourself. It can help you focus and get things done. Furthermore, practicing kicking, punching, and throwing can help you get rid of pent-up anger and stress.
Re-arrange your things at home
Your home has a big influence on your mental state. When it’s clean, spacious, and well-organized, it’s going to make you feel safer and more comfortable. Consider re-arranging your various possessions – your furniture, clothes, gadgets, accessories, and assorted knickknacks – to make everything easier to access. You can throw out the things you don’t need to make more space.
Say “I love you” to a mirror
This is a self-appreciation exercise that can be incredibly effective. Go to a mirror and look at yourself. Try to appreciate what you see. Remind yourself of everything you like about yourself, and say “I love you” aloud several times. Loving yourself can help you feel happier, safer, calmer, and more in charge of your life.
Keep home clean
Maintaining a decluttered and clean home can greatly contribute to your mental well-being. A tidy environment can reduce stress and anxiety, encourage better sleep, and boost productivity. It also fosters a sense of control and accomplishment, which can positively impact self-esteem and mood. Furthermore, keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be costly. You can save money on cleaning supplies by creating your own natural DIY cleaners. These homemade solutions not only cut costs but also reduce exposure to harsh chemicals found in many commercial products. Thus, maintaining a clean and decluttered home can enhance your mental health while also promoting financial and environmental wellness.
Pursue the career of your dreams
Work likely takes up most of your time. If your current career isn’t fulfilling, switching to a new one will make you happier and healthier long term. You may need to return to school for a degree to achieve your career goals. Explore the ‘Careers’ page on the websites of companies you are interested in. You can glean a lot of information about what qualifications you need to pursue to make your career change.
Become your own boss
Starting a business and becoming your own boss can have significant mental health benefits. According to various sources, self-employment can boost well-being, improve work-life balance, and even enhance mental health independently of income changes. Being your own boss means you gain the freedom to develop a workflow and schedule that suits you best, often leading to better mental health. The feeling of confidence and joy from running your own business often carries over into all aspects of life. Moreover, starting a business is easier than ever today with the help of formation companies. If you’re wondering how to form an LLC in Alaska, for instance, these companies can guide you through the process, simplifying the steps and reducing the stress associated with launching your own venture.
It’s a good idea to have a mental care routine for yourself, where you practice activities for mental well-being daily or weekly. Try getting outside, rearranging and cleaning your home, pursuing a new career, and even starting your own business. And don’t be afraid to seek out professional help and support if you need to — you don’t have to go it alone.
