7 activities to improve mental health

Intro

Self-care is an important part of looking after your mental health. Especially if you’ve been struggling with it. Unplugging from society and binge watching the latest Netflix series is a helpful way to unwind and relax. But it’s not always beneficial in the long run. In this blog post were going to explore 7 activities to improve mental health.

7 activities to improve mental health

1. Deep breathing

Stress and anxiety are known to increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Deep breathing techniques such as belly breathing, are a helpful way to reduce anxiety and stress levels. The experts over at Diversus Health say ‘When we take deep breaths, signals are sent to our brains, telling us to calm down and relax. These messages are translated throughout our bodies, reducing tension and relieving stress when we are anxious or feel overwhelmed’.

2. Gratitude

Gratitude is especially helpful on days where you don’t feel great. It can shift a negative train of thought into a positive one, that brings you happiness. It allows you to focus on what you do have, rather than focusing on what you don’t have. Brain Balance summarised the effects of gratitude saying ‘In short, gratitude can boost neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine. Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel’.

3. Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to mange and overcome depression, anxiety, and stress. When you exercise, it releases natural brain chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals help you feel happier and improve your sense of well-being. Regular exercise also helps improve your quality of sleep at night, which is great for mental health! Exercising can be as simple as going for a 20-minute brisk walk after work. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start small and keep building from there.

4. Journaling

When you’re feeling anxious it’s easy to get consumed by your thoughts. Often, you’ll try and think your way out of your anxiety. But this results in your thoughts spiralling and you feeling even worse.

Journaling allows you to get your thoughts out of your head which offers you an instant release. It also offers you clarity on your situation, which helps you understand where your anxious thoughts are coming from. Journaling doesn’t need to be a difficult task, it can be as simple as opening notes on your phone and typing a few sentences.

5. Learn a new skill

Studies have shown that learning a new skill can help improve your mental health. It helps boost your confidence and raise your self-esteem. It can also help you build a sense of purpose, as well as connect with others. Learning should be a lifelong process you continue long after leaving school, we’re not suggesting you take that algebra class again though! Here are some ideas of new skills you could try out:

• Try out a new sport like badminton
• Find a new hobby such as gardening
• Learn to cook a new dish
• Sign up for an online course
• Work on a DIY project at home

6. Spend time with dogs

My favourite activity to boost my mental health! Studies show that spending time with dogs reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Owning a dog also encourages you to exercise which is great for overall health. If you don’t own a dog, you probably know a family member or friend with one. So, you can plan to spend some time with them both.

7. Socialise

Better health says ‘The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships’. Socialising doesn’t just have to be with your friends or family either. You could start a conversation with someone on the bus, or a new person at work. Or you could join a local support group and meet like-minded people.

Conclusion

Taking positive action to improve your mental health is an important part of life. Especially when you’re struggling with your mental health. However, in tough times the thought of taking action can be overwhelming and daunting. If you ever feel like this, ask your self this: What is the one thing I can do today to feel better? And if you struggle to think of something, chose an activity to boost your mental health from this list.

To learn more about mental health, check out our other blogs here.