8 Interesting New Ways to Support Your Mental Health

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Perhaps you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition. You’ve experimented with yoga, meditation, journaling, and all kinds of other typical self-care strategies - but you haven’t experienced much in the way of benefits. It’s time to start going beyond the usual self-care tips and exploring new avenues. 532Yoga shares a few ideas for improving your mental health that you may not have tried yet.

Declutter Your Home

Creating a better atmosphere at home can definitely boost your mental health. You may not even realize how much a cluttered home can affect your mindset until you clean it up! You can begin by getting rid of items you no longer need, dusting regularly, and adding more storage options to your space.

Try Working From Home

Maybe you’re getting tired of commuting to work every day. It’s not easy to get up extra early, sit in traffic on your way to the office, and then do it all again at the end of the day. You may want to request a trial run for working from home. You’ll be able to spend more time with your family, get some extra sleep, work out in the mornings, and cook healthy meals rather than getting take out.

Begin Practicing Yoga

Are you curious about trying out a new form of fitness? Yoga is an excellent way to make a positive impact on both your mental wellness and physical health. Getting started may seem a little overwhelming at first, but you can connect with a local yoga professional who can help you begin your practice. Additionally, there are many apps and online resources that can help you supplement your practice. Plus, you’ll be able to get a full-body workout outdoors.

Getting a Pet

If you’ve ever had a pet, you know how the unconditional love they give can easily turn a frown upside down! Many pet owners find that having pets benefits their mental health. Newport Academy states that spending time with a pet can lower your stress levels, reduce feelings of depression and loneliness, and even increase your sense of self-esteem. 

Before bringing your new furry companion home, be sure your living area is outfitted with all the necessary items, such as food, a bed, a crate for training, and a food and water bowl. First, go online and read up on expert and unbiased product reviews and see how they rate in terms of durability, quality and affordability.

If you can’t get a pet right now, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or offering to pet sit for friends.

Birdwatching

Maybe you’ve never tried birdwatching before - but you may be surprised by how enjoyable it could be! Birdwatching can actually be a great way to care for your mental health. You’ll spend time outside, deepen your connection with nature, and get your mind off of your stress for a while.

Scrapbooking

Do you have lots of photos and family mementos? Consider creating scrapbooks to preserve those memories. Scrapbooking can be very relaxing. Plus, you’ll get to focus on your artistic skills and enhance your creativity!

Reiki

Your local yoga studio or massage therapy spa might offer reiki. This is an energy healing practice that can help you process complex feelings and release stress. It doesn’t hurt to try out a session or two to see how you feel afterward!

Camping

Do you feel like you need to escape from the pressures of daily life for a while? Try planning a weekend camping trip! Camping can help you leave your stresses behind. The Dyrt states that camping can improve your circadian rhythm, give you a boost of dopamine naturally, and even reduce inflammation.

Managing your mental health can be complicated. Sometimes, the techniques that work for other people won’t always work for you, and that’s okay. By trying out methods that suit your lifestyle and interests, from decluttering your house to practicing yoga, you may notice that you’re feeling a little better day by day.

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