11 Outside-the-Box Ideas for Enhancing Your Mental Health

11 Outside-the-Box Ideas for Enhancing Your Mental Health - Your Gateway to Enhancing Your Mental Health

Mental health deserves to be treated as seriously as physical health. After all, our mental health impacts every other aspect of our lives. Since no two people are alike, though, there’s really a universal solution. So if you’re looking to improve your mental health, why not try something a little outside the box? Today, Gateway Cottage Wellness Center shares 11 ways to boost your mental health.

Forest Bathing

The Green Hub explains that forest bathing is about promoting a healthy lifestyle. It involves being in nature with no other intention than to relax and enjoy being in a natural environment. As you spend more time in nature, it can have a calming effect on your mind and body. To ensure that you focus on calmness instead of turning the experience into a social media opportunity, you’ll need to leave your smartphone behind. However, the experience is well worth it.

Even if you don't live near a forest or park, there are plenty of green spaces in urban areas that you can explore. One great way to find a nearby green space is by using a walk score map, which shows the walkability of different neighborhoods and highlights nearby parks and other outdoor areas. By taking a few minutes to research the options in your area, you can find a beautiful spot to go for a walk and enjoy all the benefits that nature has to offer.

Indulge in Your Hobbies

Hobbies help you relax and reduce stress. They give you a better sense of well-being and life satisfaction because you spend time doing something you enjoy rather than only working to make ends meet.

Volunteer

Your mental well-being relies heavily on your relationships with others. A strong correlation exists between volunteering and feelings of social connection, accomplishment, happiness, and reduced stress. Make it a habit to give back now and then to help reestablish your place in society — and start feeling better about yourself.

Start a Nonprofit

If you're passionate about a cause and want to make a difference in your community, starting a nonprofit organization can be an excellent way to achieve your goals. Fortunately, the process of starting a nonprofit is now easier than ever thanks to online resources and support. You can find step-by-step guides, legal templates, and other helpful tools that will guide you through the process of setting up your organization and meeting all of the necessary requirements. 

Whether you're looking to improve education, protect the environment, or support disadvantaged populations, starting a nonprofit can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to create real change in the world.

Enhance Your Living Space

The state of your home could be causing you stress and making you lose focus. By organizing and decluttering your home, you can create a more relaxing space. Patio Enclosures notes that you can also boost your mood by letting in more natural light and adding some indoor plants. 

But of course, that’s just the beginning. If you’re working from home, separate your personal and professional life by working in a home office away from distractions. It’s also ideal to only work during designated hours to promote work-life balance.

Go on an Adventure

If you’re feeling burned out or stressed, sometimes you need to get away from it all. But don’t be afraid to shake things up. A staycation may be a better idea than a long weekend in that faraway city. Whatever you do, spending time outdoors (not to mention time with family and friends) is generally good for you.

Mantra Meditation

Mantra meditation is a type of mantra chanting, notes Mindvalley. Unlike most forms of meditation, in which you concentrate on your breathing or a particular thought, mantra meditation involves chanting a word or phrase until it becomes part of your subconscious.

It may seem counterintuitive, but the clutter around your house can have a significant impact on your mental state and ability to focus during meditation. That's why it's important to regularly take time to declutter different parts of your home. 

A great place to start is with your kids' rooms. Children tend to accumulate toys, books, and other items quickly, which can create a sense of chaos in their space. By taking the time to declutter their rooms regularly, you can help them feel more calm and focused while also setting a good example for them about the importance of keeping a tidy living space.

Use the Power of Sound

You can learn to relax, meditate, and improve your overall wellness through the healing power of sound. For example, a sound bath can help you find relaxation and enter a meditative state. This can often help people who have trouble with meditation, and is ideal for those who are finding a good meditation practice.

Take the Stairs

When you’re in a hurry, an elevator ride can be tempting. But if you take a few minutes out of your day to take the stairs from one floor to another, you can get some exercise benefits.

Limit Screen Time

Heavy screen time can have damaging effects on mood and social interactions and can lead to aches and pains. Limit your screen time, and spend quality time interacting with family or friends.

Try a Keto Diet

High in fat and low in carbohydrates, a ketogenic diet is an effective way to lose weight and lower blood sugar levels. The diet enhances cognitive function, especially memory. Many people swear by it for various benefits, so give it a try.

Shake Things Up

It’s essential to develop a holistic approach to wellness, including developing good habits. But sometimes, you may want to shake things up. From cleaning and exercise tips to starting a nonprofit, these unusual approaches might be just what you need!

If you’re ready to live your best life, Gateway Cottage Wellness Center can help! Call (928) 862-4400.

Written By: Jennifer McGregor