I am happy to feature guest blogger, Julia Mitchell (www.Outspiration.net) for today’s post. Please enjoy her thoughtful input. 🙂
If the state of your mental health is starting to take a toll on you, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more people are suffering from the effects of burnout these days, and by the looks of it, it’s not going to get any better. This, of course, calls for extraordinary measures if we are to take back control of our mental well-being. Today, Julia Mitchell of Outspiration.net shows you how.
Take Up Tai-Chi
Generally speaking, exercise in and of itself is great for one’s overall health. But if you really want to step it up a notch, you could try the relaxing art of Tai-Chi to calm the senses. Not only will you be learning meditative exercises that will help you stay calm in times of stress, but you’ll also improve your balance and flexibility and strengthen your body at the same time.
Change Your Career
If you feel stuck in a job you no longer enjoy, this can impact your mental well-being adversely. And since we do spend a large portion of our day working, it makes sense to do something we enjoy rather than waste precious time doing something that does not. Perhaps you could explore the possibilities and benefits of working from home.
Many work from home opportunities are available to freelancers, though you may be hesitant to freelance if you’ll lose your health insurance. Fortunately, there are insurance options available to you through COBRA, Medicaid, and the ACA exchange. You don’t have to feel trapped at your current job due to your health insurance.
Another option is to start by expanding your knowledge base. With online learning, you can pursue that degree you’ve always wanted. Plus, you can study according to a schedule that suits you if you have other obligations competing for your time and attention. Just be sure to confirm that the institution is accredited and that it offers competitive tuition rates.
Counselling and Therapy
When addressing your mental health, sometimes it pays to work with a professional who can help guide you through your journey. A registered therapist can help guide you toward positive, lasting change using a variety of modern approaches tailored to your situation.
Start a Garden
Perhaps you’ve been feeling cooped up because you’ve been working overtime. If that’s the case, there’s no better time than the present to get outdoors and soak up the calming rays of the sun while tending to your garden patch. You’re sure to feel all the more accomplished as you watch your seedlings come to life.
Take a Day Off for Yourself
Often it’s the simple things in life that can put the pep back in our steps. Therefore, treat yourself to a day just for yourself every once in a while. Whether it’s going for a manicure, taking the day off to play golf with your buddy or it’s trying out your favourite recipe on friends or family, it’s small breaks like these that can do the world for your mental health.
Bird Watching
Again, if you want to alter your mental health for the better, getting outdoors and taking in the sights and sounds of nature is an excellent way to do it. Moreover, there’s just something so enchanting about watching majestic birds take flight. So why not invest in a pair of binoculars, step away from the rat race and enjoy the natural beauty around you?
Birdwatching is great because you can do it just about anywhere. If you like to take regular walks, consult a Walk Score map of your area. You’ll be able to find the most walkable areas near you, and you can keep an eye out for birds while you get your steps in.
Upcycle Old Items
If you’re looking for a project that will really distract you – at least momentarily, upcycling your old used stuff might be just the challenge you’ve been looking for. What’s more, it can feel very satisfying and rewarding knowing you repurposed something that was meant for the garbage bin and gave it a second chance. And you’re certain to have more peace of mind because you’ll have done your bit for the environment, too.
Clean Out Your Home
Not only do cluttered, unkempt areas within your home look unsightly, but it’s not great for your mental health either if you’re in a negative headspace. So, if it’s clutter or negative energy that grates on your nerves, try to declutter and reorganise the space so that it creates a calmer area that uplifts and enriches the mind.
In summary, learning to take care of our mental health should be a priority these days if we are to experience joy-filled days not just sometimes, but often!
Julia Mitchell
www.outspiration.net