If you want to be more knowledgeable about mental health issues, you can read books or participate in hands-on learning like worksheets. You can also get involved with a community group, such as Facebook, that helps people talk about mental health. This can be a great way to support your friends and family who are dealing with mental health issues.
1. Exercise
Exercise improves overall health and has many benefits, including weight control, heart disease prevention, improved blood sugar control, increased energy, better sleep, and more.
Physical activity also has mental benefits, like lowering stress and improving mood. Moreover, exercise can help people struggling with mental health issues by improving their self-esteem and body image.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that is a great way to relieve stress. It involves different body poses, breathing techniques and meditation.
It has been proven to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. It can also improve your mood and self-esteem.
3. Meditation
Meditation is a powerful way to help your mental health and wellbeing. It can improve your focus, reduce stress and anxiety, increase resilience and empathy, and even decrease pain.
It may also improve your sleep and heart health. Studies have shown that regular meditation can increase brain size and grey matter, enhance intelligence and creativity, and strengthen your immune system.
4. Music
Music can help you deal with a variety of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. It also helps you relax, energize your body, and improve your sleep.
Music can also increase your motivation to find the deeper meaning in life and strengthen your social connections. Studies show that people who listen to meaningful music are more likely to seek the important values of life and make new friends.
5. Reading
Reading is a great way to get your mind and body engaged, and it can also help you improve your cognitive skills. In fact, scientists have found that reading a book reduces stress and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
It can also be a great form of therapy, especially when it comes to the more common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It also has the ability to stimulate the imagination and is one of the cheapest, non-intrusive forms of mental healthcare.
6. Socializing
Socializing has been shown to stave off feelings of loneliness, boost brain health, and lower the risk of dementia. In addition, it can also help reduce the stress that leads to depression and anxiety.
Socializing with people can be difficult for some, so it’s important to make sure you are in relationships that are supportive and reciprocal. It can be easy to fall into the trap of spending too much time with friends who don’t care for you or put you down.
7. Writing
Writing is a big deal and has many benefits for your mental health. It can help you process emotions, give you a sense of accomplishment and even reduce your stress levels!
The best part is that you can do it on your own. With the right tools and a little practice, you can make it a habit. You’ll see the rewards in no time!
8. Cooking
Cooking has been shown to be a beneficial coping mechanism for those with mental health issues. It helps to bring back the sense of joy and excitement that has been lost through anxiety or depression.
Aside from its psychological benefits, cooking is also a great way to spend time with friends and family. It can also be a creative outlet.
9. Sports
One of the best ways to improve your mental health is through regular physical activity. Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block or an adrenaline pumping game of tennis, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best part is that it doesn’t have to be a formal exercise. A good rule of thumb is to aim for three to five sessions per week.
10. Yoga
Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that involves relaxation through breathing and meditation combined with stretching and strengthening poses. It's been proven to have numerous mental and physical health benefits.
Yoga helps with mental health and emotion regulation, and has a positive effect on heart rate variability. It also increases endurance, strength and flexibility.