9 Unique Methods for Enhancing Your Mental Wellbeing

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by Guest Blogger Julia Merrill

Human minds often become accustomed to patterns and routines, which can create a plateau and impede our progress as individuals. That’s why Swellness Vibes has taken the time to outline a few unique techniques that you can use to kick-start your mental well-being and get yourself out of a rut.

1. Start Birdwatching

Birdwatching (or ornitherapy) can reduce symptoms of depression and provide an energy boost. Focusing on something outside of yourself takes your mind off of your troubles. Plus, time in nature has repeatedly been demonstrated to be soothing.

2. Try Improv Classes

Improv teaches you adaptability and provides the benefits of childlike play. Since improvising actors must accept the expressions and situations put forth by others, the exercise expands your awareness of others. The routines also teach acceptance without judgment.

3. Seek Innovative Counseling Methods

Therapy doesn’t just involve sitting on a couch and pouring out a history of your past. As psychiatry and psychology advance, new methods of coping with mental anguish are created to assist modern people. For example, ACT, or acceptance and commitment therapy, uses a principle of diffused mindfulness to help you observe your emotions with dispassionate curiosity. The Gottman Method has proven successful in assisting couples to create deeper bonds. You can also visit Swellness Vibes for more contemporary wellness tips!

4. Adjust Your Work Schedule

If you can work a hybrid schedule, take full advantage of your work-from-home time and increase your remote hours. The flexibility created by eliminating your commute makes space for mood-boosting activities like family time, exercise, extra sleep, and healthy meal prep.

5. Change Careers

When your current career leaves you disappointed and stressed, make plans to move on. Reports confirm that people spend fewer years with a company on average, and career changes are no longer seen as a negative item on your resume. Returning to school to earn a degree can position you to advance. Once you decide on your preferred degree, find an accredited online school. Compare tuition fees for competitive rates. With virtual studies, you can balance working full-time and caring for family obligations.

6. Adopt an Unconventional Pet

Cats and dogs need love, but many other pets would enjoy a warm home. Descented skunks are surprisingly playful and may not cause allergies. A lizard can be low-maintenance and fascinating to observe. Chinchillas are easy to keep in tiny homes and can live up to 20 years for long-lasting bonds. States vary in their regulations for what animals can be a pet, so check the laws before you bring a unique fuzzy or scaly friend home.

7. Declutter Your Life

Your dwelling needs to be a pleasurable retreat away from the outside world. Disarray creates confusion and can make your space unsafe. Avoid getting overwhelmed at the prospect of cleaning the whole home by targeting one room at a time, starting this weekend. Touch each item and sense if it brings you joy. Discard unnecessary and uninspiring items. Then create an organization system with creative containers and give every item a purposeful home.

8. Write Under a Pseudonym

If you want to put your experience into the world but are afraid of what family and acquaintances may think, start a blog under an assumed name. Now you have an outlet for your feelings and experiences without worrying about judgment.

9. Dunk Your Head in Cold Water

A variety of grounding techniques can be used to recalibrate when you’re spiraling. Submerging your head in cold water can serve as a gentle shock treatment to help you refocus when you’re overwhelmed.

Use these techniques to get started; in fact, along the way, you might encounter even more outside-the-box ways to enhance your mental health. Whatever you use, prioritize your self-care so you can be your best self!

Swellness Vibes is a site of offerings to feed your mind, body and soul. If you have any questions, please feel free to email infoallisonkeli@gmail.com.

Julia Merrill created BefriendYourDoc.org to share tips she has developed to help patients be their own advocate in seeking medical care, dealing with insurance companies, and contributing to their own health and well-being.