9 Unique Ideas for Improving Your Mental Health

8/27/2022

|As our lives constantly become busier, we strive to look for ways to improve our mental health. All of us are different, however, which means each of our lives calls for different solutions.

Please note: This guest article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to you.

1. Somatic Massage

Somatic therapy uses your body’s current condition as well as your mental state for treatment. Sessions typically begin by checking in with your body and discussing it with your therapist. With some light touch, you become even more in-tune with your body and any aches or issues you may be experiencing. The connection between mind and body is close, so it makes sense that treating both at once is effective.

2. Volunteering

There’s something cathartic about helping those in need. It distracts you from your own worries and can really put things in perspective. For example, if you volunteer at a soup kitchen, you may witness how hard life is for the homeless and get the perspective to shake some of the stress from a work deadline. SignUpGenius offers this excellent list of opportunities for volunteering that can ground you.

3. Start a family or friend group chat

If you don’t have them already, try creating some group chats amongst your closest loved ones. It can be with your parents, siblings, work friends, or other groups of friends you’d like to stay in closer contact with. Whether it’s the cause or byproduct, loneliness is a major contributor to poor mental health. Skip it by creating fun chats that will keep you connected. You can even do weekly video chats so distance won’t be an issue!

Related: 7 Ways Your Physical Health Is Connected to Your Mental Health

4. Clean and declutter your home

You can’t clear your head if your home is a disaster. Clean and declutter from top to bottom, starting with the areas you spend the most time in like your bedroom and the kitchen. Use homemade cleaners whenever possible to keep toxins out of your breathing space. Remember that you can always take photos of items you know you should dispose of; leaving them to clutter up your home does you no good.

5. Do one nice thing for yourself every week

No matter your personal situation, stress comes along for the ride. Commit to doing (at least) one nice thing for yourself once a week. It could be taking an hour to play on your phone, reading a chapter of your favorite book, or going horseback riding. Don’t designate a specific day or you could be stuck waiting after a particularly difficult week; perform your thoughtful task for yourself whichever day you need it.

6. Garden

Spending time in nature can really ground you, and gardening is a great start. The soil between your fingers, the leafy plants, the peaceful watering process — surround yourself in it. Not able to create a backyard garden? Try potted plants instead or urban gardening.

7. Work from home more

Though it might not be for everyone, working from home can do wonders for your mental health. It cuts out the need for a commute and gives you more family and leisure time. You can be home when your kids arrive from school or use your lunch break to walk your dog. If you have flexible hours, you can even run errands like going to the grocery store outside peak shopping times.

8. Visit a rage (smash) room

Sometimes the more relaxing tasks just don’t take the edge off; sometimes you just need to smash something. Since polite society doesn’t allow for random smashing, Healthline suggests trying a rage room AKA a smash room. Participants are given safety gear and a bat and are then led to a room full of breakables like water glasses and old TVs. It’s a great way to destress as well as shake off some anger you may be holding onto.

9. Take a quiet retreat

Sometimes you just need to get away. When you incorporate mindful meditation into a period of time filled with peace and quiet, powerful transformation has room to flourish.

Don’t neglect your mental health because it plays a major role in your overall wellness. Try one or more of these ideas to keep out what negativity you can and clear the way for more positivity.

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Sharon Wagner uses her site Senior Friendly to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.

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