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We have all been feeling a little dazed for the last year, right?! For many of us, the Coronavirus outbreak has changed everything, and it is not uncommon for feelings of despair, stress, anxiety, or sadness to surface and leave us feeling less than ideal. The good news is that the natural world is always on our side. Even if you turn to more pharmaceutical ways to manage your mental health – and that is something you should be doing if necessary – you can still find ways to connect with nature and feel much better after doing so. Check out these 8 natural ways to boost your wellbeing.
Try natural remedies
Some herbal supplements and ingredients that you can make into tea are thought to help with reducing stress. Of course, you need to check with your doctor or healthcare professional to make sure that they are safe alongside any medication you are taking before trying anything new. Also consider things like kefir water, changing your diet to be more holistic, and more. Alternatively, get some education on CBD products and see if that is something that may help you – many people find that they do. I use CBD oil to help me sleep and it makes a big difference (when I remember to use it before bed). Again be sure to check with your doctor or medical professional for guidance for what is appropriate for your specific situation.
Get your hands dirty
Ok, you can wear gloves and not really get your hands dirty, but gardening is a great way to get some fresh air, connect with nature, and engage in some gentle physical activity. It should come as no surprise that it is good for a mental health boost. Not only that, but interacting with soil is thought to have immunity-boosting properties, so it is a winner all-round. And if you are raising veggies to eat, there can be a great benefit in increase vitamin intake as well.
Do something creative
Being creative allows us to enter a relaxed state in which all of our negative thoughts and pontifications fade away and we are simply living in the present moment. That, combined with the positive effects of nature, natural art can be a pretty formidable boost to our overall well-being. The important factor is to not be concerned with being good at it; simply do it and enjoy it and don’t worry that you aren’t Picasso. We are all unique and being yourself is the best thing to do when being creative.
Get out
There is a plethora of research that supports the incredible link between mental health and time spent in the natural environment. People who spend time in green spaces can improve their mood, lower their stress levels, and facilitate an overall sense of well-being. It does not matter what kind of green areas you visit; whether it is the top of a hill, the banks of a stream, or the nearby park. If you spend time there, you will almost undoubtedly feel better. If you can’t get out, bring the outdoors in! Surround yourself with plenty of green plants and flowers in pots and vases around your indoor environment.
Spend time with the wildlife
Lots of studies have shown that being around animals has a calming effect on the human brain. It can also help to reduce stress and blood pressure, as well as boost immunity. Spending some time feeding the animals and birds, or simply watching them from the convenience of your own window, can be extremely beneficial to your mental health. Simply put out some food to entice them to come to you and watch.
Write
Journalling and other forms of creative writing can be a great way to release negative emotions and thoughts. Of course, you can do this anywhere and about any topic, but why not take your notebook and pen and go and sit somewhere outdoors? The natural world is a great muse for poetry and creative writing. Even if you think you are no good at writing, just describe what you can see, what you can hear, what you can smell, and how you feel.
Pray
Prayer and meditation are some of the greatest things you can do for your mental health, and spending time in nature is another, so why not combine the two? Forest bathing is a Japanese practice in which you go to the nearest beauty spot, preferably a forest, but other types of nature can also work, and simply meditate on your surroundings. Lose yourself in the moment and focus on everything that you can see, hear, smell and feel.
Meet up with people outside
Meeting up with your friends for a walk in the local park or rural areas is a great way to not only benefit from nature’s many healing powers but also to stay connected with other people. We love spending time on picnics in my family. Social connections are essential for good mental health, and anything you can do to avoid loneliness will aid in the maintenance of stable mental health. Spending that time outside, on the other hand, will help to ensure
These are just a couple of the simple natural ways to boost your wellbeing. Don’t just try all of these at once and give up. Try to implement one or two at a time and gage if it is something that will make an impact in your life for the good. If so, keep trying it out and boost your wellbeing in the process.
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If you are feeling down or depressed for more days than not, please seek medical attention. If you are feeling like you cannot go on, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat here>>> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ Or visit the suicide prevention lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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[…] important to understand there’s no deadline or clock for your recovery. Take your time, focus on boosting your own wellbeing through baby steps each day, and eventually you’ll find a routine that works for you to help you […]