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Want to Improve Your Mental Health? It’s Time to Think Outside the Box



If you’re someone who struggles to keep up with their mental health, you will be all too familiar with the myriad of solutions people have for you. Exercise, diet, smiling, nature. If you’ve heard them once, you’ve heard them all. Traditional techniques work and are time-tested. But what about the out-of-the-box solutions, the unique ones that no one ever mentions? Let’s explore some exciting ways to boost your spirits and improve mental health in the article below, courtesy of Kelvin Abney.


Go off Grid

Lose the smartphone for a day and see if you enjoy a life free of constant emails, alerts, and distractions. Scrolling through social media the whole day can trigger feelings of inadequacy, alienation, and comparison. Thus, you’ll focus on more positive ways of thinking by cutting out unnecessary noise.


Birdwatching

This one is a great activity for many reasons. Being out in nature is a great way to get a good boost of serotonin, not to mention it has soothing and de-stressing qualities. Watching the simple act of birds carrying on with their day can take your mind off your pressure off yours. It’s also an easy activity to do anytime and can feed you with much-needed mental clarity.


Take a Staycation

Taking a staycation is a great way to take a break, but without the commitment of booking, traveling, and financing (and none of the travel and social anxiety either). For example, if you’re thinking of staycationing in Chicago, what not look for a vacation rental rather than a traditional hotel? The right rental will allow you to keep your vacation relaxing, especially if you find one that will enable you to take advantage of activities in popular neighborhoods. In addition, the perfect rental will have a full kitchen so you can keep up with your healthy meals and habits while on the go.


Take a Shower

No, we aren’t joking. Showering has been scientifically proven to boost creativity and inspire joy. So, try taking a (nice, long, hot) shower and see if you don’t feel better! And Healthline reports that warm water has almost magical effects in relaxing and calming you, especially when things feel strained or out of control.


Coloring Isn’t Just for the Kids

According to Cleveland Clinic, coloring in complex patterns is an effective way to soothe anxious thoughts and turn off a restless mind. Look for an adult coloring book and take solace in the meditative act of filling in intricate patterns, designs, and details.


Volunteer with Animals

If you struggle with depression, it can be hard to take care of yourself, let alone a whole other creature. But pushing yourself to volunteer with animals will pay off, as there’s nothing more fulfilling or heartwarming as an animal lover. If you can’t find somewhere near you to volunteer, think about starting your own nonprofit. A nonprofit is a great way to address a need you see in your community that isn’t being met. It’s also a great way to be outside yourself.


Make a Meal Plan

Planning and making lists is an incredibly soothing and relaxing activity. And when your life seems out of control, bringing order to even one area of life can help you feel a lot better. Making a meal plan will ease the burden of answering the age-old question of ‘What’s for dinner?’ each night. But it may also help you develop better eating habits, which are intrinsically linked to better mental health.


Learn Tai Chi

Exercise is another instant method to boost your spirits. And in addition to improved aerobic capacity with tai chi, you’ll also see improved mood and decreased stress, anxiety, and depression. It has been used in the medical community to prevent mental disorders, so it is a great one for the bucket list. If you plan to practice at home, be sure that you’ve cleared your home of stressful negative energy. Create a space to practice that helps bring you peace.


Thinking outside the box is more than just a cliché. It implies something more significant than just creative thinking; instead, referring to innovative ways of tackling and conceptualizing problems. When you employ out-of-the-box strategies to your mental well-being, you may just find yourself thriving in an unfamiliar and unique new environment. Be sure to get out there and push the limits of that box to see great results. Kelvin Abney provides a wealth of information, resources, and articles to help you take back control of your life. Explore the website to begin your personal reinvention.


I also listed them in order of appearance here:


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