4 Ways to Work on Your Mental Health at Home
Finding ways to support your mental health can be tricky if you don’t know where to start. Some people find it hard to connect with a therapist right off the bat and need ways to manage their symptoms at home. Everyone is different, and things like going to therapy once a week may not work as well for one as it does for another.
The symptoms you struggle with, such as depression and anxiety, will determine what you need to do to take control of them. If you’re someone who’s new to managing their mental health or is interested in working on managing it on your own, these tips may be the answer you need!
Ways to Work on Your Mental Health
- Exercise
Exercise plays a huge role in managing your mental health. If you struggle with anxiety or depression, exercising can significantly decrease symptoms and improve your mood. There are a variety of levels to working out which can include a fitness class at a gym, a relaxing stroll in the neighborhood, or an intense workout. Finding the best form of exercise for you can be a beneficial tool in your mental health journey.
If you aren’t one to enjoy going to a public gym, there are several options you can work with. Utilize the outdoors, especially if you live in warmer climates you can go for runs or walks outside year-round. Unfortunately, if you live where snow is present most of the time outdoor workouts may not be an option.
You may consider building yourself a home gym. Allocate a spare room, a corner in your basement, or a spot in the garage for your workout space. You may need to do some renovations like new flooring and mounting workout equipment. These costs may add up, but if you’re looking to make this beneficial step to your life and your home, consider using a home equity line of credit for additional funding. This will allow you to use the equity in your home to pay off these expenses and start working on your health in the safety and comfort of your home.
Once your home gym is built, start out by getting into a routine. This will allow you to work on improving your mental health through physical activity by making it a normal part of your day. The more consistent you work out, the better you’ll start to feel!
- Good Sleep
Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It’s recommended that the average person gets 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night to allow the body to go through all four sleep stages, four times a night. This way you can wake up feeling well-rested which will lead to a better start to your day.
If you’re one to struggle to get a consistent sleep schedule intact, try getting more exercise during your day or look into natural remedies that’ll help you sleep better. If you’re a coffee drinker, it’s recommended that you refrain from having any more caffeine 10 hours before you go to sleep. Another recommendation is to stay off of electronics an hour prior to sleep. Both of these tips may significantly impact your sleep in a positive way.
The sooner you get into a consistent sleep routine the better your mental health will be. If you’re exhausted all the time your mood will drastically decrease and you’ll end up feeling irritable and sluggish. Prioritize sleep to start each day positively and feel your best!
Also, Read: 10 Best Essential Oils for Sleep
- Clean Space
Have you ever heard the quote “Clean Space Clear Mind”? Well, it’s true that when your home is clean and organized the more clear-minded you are. When things are messy, it can make your mind feel the same and even become a huge distraction. This can significantly affect your mental health, especially when struggling with depression.
Unfortunately, those who struggle with depression lack the motivation which is needed to clean and keep the house organized consistently. If this is the case, try and think of cleaning in a different way. Some people find cleaning to be therapeutic, and if not you may just need to change your mindset and know that once it’s done, you’ll end up feeling much better. Help combat this mindset by creating a list of small, attainable tasks to accomplish each day. Little by little, you’ll tackle the lack of motivation caused by depression and gain the energy to take on your day and your house duties.
An overlooked way to combat depression and anxiety by using your space is by creating a sanctuary in your home that gives you a sense of peace. Things like a meditation room, sauna, or just finding a quiet space may be beneficial. If you can’t figure out what to do, check out these five ways to create a spiritual sanctuary in your home. Some tips include not only keeping a clean space but decorating it with things that make you feel happy. These happy things can be pictures of loved ones, plants, and maybe a smell that brings you peace and a sense of comfort.
- Hobbies
Getting into a hobby or two is a great way to destress and improve your mental health. There are several hobbies that are known to improve mood and well-being. Some of the most popular that can be done at home include gardening, painting, crocheting, and puzzles. Find one that sparks your interest and see if it helps you relax.
If you own a dog, you could consider dog walking a hobby. This way, you and your pet can get exercise and have a planned outing that can take your mind off whatever may be causing you anxiety that day or week. Bringing a pet into your home, in general, can be therapeutic in itself and might be something you want to consider!
If you live with a friend or a partner, it can be nice to start a hobby that you both enjoy. This way you have someone to keep you accountable and could add to the fun! Find someone who would want to do morning yoga with you, or watch the stars with you at night. There are endless options of hobbies to choose from, and when you find the right one you’ll start to notice an improvement in your overall mental health.
Summary
As stated, there are several ways to manage your mental health, especially anxiety and depression at home. Although it’s highly suggested to see a therapist, it’s not always the only solution. Fortunately, these days telehealth has become more prominent, and that way you can do therapy from the comfort of your home. Consider these tips and find which one, or which combination, works best for you. You’ll find that some of these suggestions will significantly improve your mental health and lead you to a happier future.
This was it for today. I hope you have found the article helpful. Let me know how you take care of your mental health in the comments below.
Have a Good Day!
