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Mental Health is something that is soo important, but something that a lot of people struggle with (including myself). I've started reading this book that is supposed to help with your mental health and confidence issues. But, I'm always looking for more options.
What are ways in which you improve your mental health?
Honestly I think just going outside for me is the biggest one. Sometimes if I'm cramped up indoors for days on end, I get myself into a rut where I don't feel or want to do anything, which isn't healthy. So forcing myself to go outside and get some of those nice rays, makes me feel a lot better. You know that advert from Snickers, where it's like "You're not you when you're hungry" - Well that's me if I don't go outside for a while.
I agree with getting outside; frolicking in the sun helps me some, prob not as much as Triz but STILL. I like laying in the grass and find sometimes that helps lol.
Blasting music and keeping myself busy (cleaning, driving, dance party) helps too.
I've also found talking to someone when things are getting rough really helps.
Going outside is definitely wildly underrated, and I think our generation as a whole does themselves a massive disservice by playing into the whole "haha I'm so socially awkward I love being in my room forever, and constantly telling everyone I'm an introvert on social media is my entire personality" trope which reinforces not doing so. I'm guilty of staying in loads which is extra easy when you literally live underground with no garden and can't see what the weather's doing, but getting a bit of air really does make so many things feel better whether mental or physical. Exercise in general is proven to release a bucketload of endorphins whose sole purpose is to make you feel happy so just having a bit of a walk is always a winner
In a similar vein, a bit of human interaction is also very helpful even if you're not someone who likes big parties and groups. If you have someone you can send a dumb message to like "hey I just ate nine eggs what shoes are you wearing" without it feeling like pointless small talk or needing to be a long deep conversation, that kind of relationship jumping into action is absolutely beyond value
For me when i start to feel a certian way, i like to stop and distract myself. Normally jiqsaws, adult colouring, playing the guitar, being arty really helps.
When i was on my weight loss journey i found sports really helped. Especially with any stress, anxiety or fustration i was feeling.
I remember a time when I was stuck inside for days on end, and I just felt so low and unmotivated. But then I forced myself to step outside, even just for a short walk, and it was like a breath of fresh air?literally and figuratively! It's crazy how something as simple as getting some sunshine can have such a big impact on your mood. I definitely feel like a different person when I haven't had my dose of vitamin D. I just wanted to chime in and say that if anyone ever feels like they need someone to talk to or if they're struggling with their mental health, there are resources out there to help. I recently stumbled upon the National Rehab Hotline https://nationalrehabhotline.org/ and it's been a lifesaver. Just knowing that there's someone on the other end of the line who gets it can make all the difference.
As someone who had depression throughout much of my 20s and eventually clinical depression/serious suicidal ideation I think there are simple solutions to it but at the same time it isn't as easy as just saying oh go for some exercise or do X or do Y. Sometimes the sad thing is that you've got to hit rock bottom/hit a bottom before you feel the fightback to get yourself out of that awful awful awful mindset.
For me I've rebuilt myself in the last 3 years and what I find is important is work, exercise(!) and sunshine.