It’s important to take care of your mental health, especially in an age when there seem to be so many things that can cause it to dip. Thankfully, though cases of mental health conditions are on the rise, we also have a better understanding of things that can help nudge mental health in the right direction.
And happily, many of them are a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a tried and tested, fun way to improve your happiness (and, in many cases, improve many other aspects of your life), then check out the ideas below.
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1. Outdoor Hiking
Did you know that nature has been found to be outstanding for mental wellness? It’s true. One study found that just 15 minutes of nature-time could elevate mood. Another found that two hours of nature each week could significantly improve depression and anxiety.
You could drive to a forest and just sit there to get the benefits if you like. However, it’s more fun to base your time in nature around an activity. So why not consider starting hiking as a hobby? There’s nothing better than setting out on a beautiful Saturday morning, knowing that you’re going to see some beautiful views, all the while investing in your mental health. Perfect!
2. Start a Sports Team
Working up a sweat is a well-known method for improving mental well-being. Spending time with friends has been shown to have the same effect. So why not put the two together? By starting a sports team, you’ll be able to socialise, move your body, and you’ll be setting a goal for yourself. All those things can work together to really boost your mental health. Plus, you can even become a football, rugby, or netball kit designer, and design your team’s kits. It’s not about winning or losing, but who knows, you may even end the season with a trophy!
3. Take a Trip
Sometimes, we think that our mental health has taken a hit. But in many cases, it’s more a matter of boredom. We’re just feeling a little bored in our routines! When those moments arrive, look at taking a trip. There’s nothing that’ll elevate your thoughts and spirit more than spending time in a beautiful foreign city, or just lying on a beach for a week.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself a little, then look at travelling by yourself or doing something that’s a little unusual. For instance, you might decide to take a cycling trip through France, for example. Once you’re done, we’re sure you’ll feel confident that you can take on anything that comes your way.
4. Morning Running Clubs
Finally, you could support your mental health by joining a morning running club. If you live in a medium-sized city, then there’ll likely be a group you can join — take a look on Meetup or Facebook to see if any are available. You might hate the thought of getting up so early, but you’ll feel on top of the world once you’re back home.
This is a contributed post.