9 Everyday Activities to Boost Mental Health

Over the last couple of months, things drastically changed for the world. The lockdown restrictions may have helped in limiting the transmission of the coronavirus, but it has also led to harm to people’s emotional and mental health. Cases of mental stress and depression are on a steep rise, as many people are stuck alone in their houses. 

The fear of contracting the virus is scary and can harm everyone’s mental health. Hence, it is advisable to stay informed; try your best to manage and support the mental well-being of people around you. Even after the ease in lockdown restrictions, some people are still afraid to step out of their houses. Such predicaments can further bring down the mental health of individuals.

We understand that social media seems to be the only option; however, keep aside your TV remote, your cell phones, and your gaming sources and start concentrating on improving your mental health. Moreover, if you are staying with family or your roomies, invite them to practice some of the most beneficial everyday activities that will improve mental health. These activities will improve your mood, build your patience level, and will add a sense of enjoyment to your daily routine.

Here are 9 Everyday Activities to Boost Mental Health

1. Dance as if you are a star

Dance forms like Aerobics and Zumba have gained a lot of popularity over the last few years. These cardio exercises make us jolly. Several studies show that these dance forms create an antidepressant effect on your body. Practice at least 30 minutes of aerobics exercise a few times a week to feel confident and youthful. If you are too bored to do aerobics, then turn the music on, and go crazy with your freestyle dance moves.

Also Read: 4 Reasons Why Dancing is one of the Best form of Meditation

2. Preach & practice Yoga

Yoga is for creating a balance between your mental as well as physical state. Practicing yoga will help you in accepting your mistakes and moving on. Ultimately, it will result in stress reduction and will boost your positive attitude towards life. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation yoga, and breathing techniques. There are plenty of youtube spiritual channels that will motivate your personal well-being.

3. Stay active by exercising

Lockdown or no lockdown, exercising daily is a compelling antidote for anxiety, depression, and stress. Make small changes to your routine like taking the stairs instead of an elevator, taking a short walk early in the morning, motivating yourself to work out, challenge your friends for doing the maximum number of crunches or push-ups. You can say goodbye to stress-building hormones by following 30 minutes of an exercise routine at least thrice a week.

4. Talk it Out

Mental health isn’t just always about mental illnesses. It is more of maintaining a positive state of mind and achieving inner peace. Talking to someone helps you expressing your emotions. Talking to someone can help you destress and release what you are holding inside. You can minimize your problems when you discuss them with those who you trust. It is okay to give your pain a voice and let someone listen.

5. Cook to appeal to your senses

Food like leafy greens, nuts, fresh fruits, among others can boost your mental health. A balanced diet will not only improve mental health, but it will also keep your body healthy. Additionally, try to maintain distance from addictive habits like smoking & drinking. If you wish to cook something exotic & different, then youtube is full of new and exciting food species.

6. Catch up on your beauty sleep

Before the lockdown, workplaces used to take most of everyone’s time. After the lockdown, the work from home routine made everyone’s lives busier than ever. However, your mental health is directly linked to your sleep pattern. Getting proper sleep is a necessity as well as a luxury. If you have not slept well, then you remain groggy for the entire day. It will decline your mood, your energy, your mental sharpness, and your ability to do well.

7. Stay mentally active

Staying mentally active is equally important to improve mental health. Indulging in physical activities will help you in keeping your body fit, but you need to keep your mind fit as well. There are several mind boosting activities that can boost your brainpower. For instance, playing card games, solving crossword puzzles, sketching & drawing, or learning to play a new instrument.

8. Try Journaling

Journaling is one of the best ways to deal with stressful emotions. It is a healthy way to express yourself. Sometimes, you may be holding some emotions that you can not express in front of anyone such as guilt. In such a situation a journal could be the most helpful tool in managing your mental health. Journaling can help you:

• Manage anxiety
• Reduce stress
• Cope with depression

Not only that, by regularly maintaining a gratitude journal, you can elevate your overall state of being both mentally and physically.

9. Smile more often

To improve mental health, you should feel happy about yourself first. Be mindful of your present and focus on your future. Make a habit to see yourself smiling in the mirror daily. When you see yourself smile, it influences your physical well-being. When you are stressed, try to think of your happy moments, surround yourself with happy people, or talk to people who motivate you.

Bonus Tip

Adopt Lifelong Learning Approach – A learner remains mentally fit for a longer span. It can help you feel fulfilled feel better and live better. Not only that, but it will also help you in your career progression while ensuring your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Wrapping Up

Pandemic is just a phase, it will eventually pass. Feelings of stress and anxiety can corner you anytime – it can be a stressful work environment or a toxic relationship. You should actively practice mind-boosting activities daily. Improving mental health doesn’t mean just changing the way you think, it means you should heal physically as well as mentally. Keep yourself and your loved ones motivated by practicing new things daily.

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