Chris Darling is a mental health speaker and advocate who gives voice to the idea that human connection can help bridge the chasm between the stigma of mental disorder and society’s reluctance to talk about it. Reach out today to learn more! 302-504-4409
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Between work, your family, and worrying about your health, there can be many sources of stress in your life. So it’s important to participate in activities that help you to maintain a positive mindset. Mental health advocate Chris Darling explains that these activities are numerous and diverse, and most don’t cost very much money to participate in.
Meditation
This activity is stereotypically associated with stress relief for a good reason. Meditation can yield both physical and mental benefits and make your mind sharper. When done in conjunction with yoga or Tai Chi, you can engage the stimulation of your body and mind simultaneously.
Exercise
A tried-and-true method of stress relief, exercise encourages the release of endorphins, which improves mood. Live Science notes that it also comes with many demonstrable health benefits and can improve self-esteem due to the aesthetic changes caused by long-term dedication. The discipline required for weekly exercise also encourages positive habits and optimistic thinking.
The Visual Arts
While expressing oneself artistically is typically associated with painting, any form of visual art that engages individual creativity can serve as an excellent outlet for stressful feelings or emotionally complex perspectives. Having a consistent outlet for negative feelings, or even positive ones, can help you keep your mind clear and open. Plus, it can boost your self-esteem as your skill increases gradually.
Gardening
Planting and caring for flowers, produce, or other plants can serve as a positive experience. You may feel accomplished and rewarded for your efforts, and Happiness.com points out that observing beautiful plants, or even just spending time outdoors, can have mental health benefits. Plus, the fresh air never hurts.
Cooking
Building up a skill while creating interesting dishes that others can try is both challenging and immediately gratifying. Cooking can also foster social connections between you and your family or friends. If you incorporate healthy foods into your dishes, you can pair these effects with physical benefits too.
Spending Time with Animals
Caring for animals can be a transcendental experience. No matter the situation, becoming attached to something that depends on you can be a bonding experience that keeps you away from more negative thoughts. Consider adopting an animal and making a positive change while also benefiting your mental health.
Furthering Your Education
Going back to school to earn your degree is an excellent way to build up your mental wellness. Not only will heading back to the classroom boost your confidence, but you’ll also walk away with new skills you can apply to your current (or future) job. If you’re seeking to earn your bachelor of education, it’s easy thanks to online schools, which offer flexible scheduling and competition tuition rates. The icing on the cake: you can complete most degrees from the comfort of home.
Starting a Nonprofit
Few things can feel as satisfying as giving back to one’s community. If there’s a cause you feel passionate about or personally connected to, creating an organization to tackle the issue can be cathartic. Having a government-recognized nonprofit organization enables you to receive a much wider array of grants and apply for various funding sources, so consider setting one up. But remember, your nonprofit will need bylaws set up to guide both its internal operations and its approach to membership and long-term goals.
Prioritize Mental Health
Don’t neglect your mental health. Find an outlet. Whether that be through artistry, physical activity, nature, charity, or furthering your education, use it to benefit and build yourself up.