Many of us have been isolating ourselves for nearly a year now, which can take a toll on a persons emotional and mental well-being. Humans are naturally social creatures, after all. Add in the seasonal depression that comes with the bleak winter weather, and its a wonder we get out of bed at all some days. To help you stay healthy and get through such a difficult period, here are some at-home activities to improve mental health you can take advantage of.
Reading
Bibliotherapy uses structured or voluntary book-reading to stress and troubles affecting your mental health. Reading a good book allows you to find a mental escape and relax your bodyreducing your blood pressure and slowing your heart rate. Furthermore, investing yourself in a story and the characters therein improves your skills in empathy and interpersonal understanding. So try taking a load off by engaging with a good book, as its one of the simplest at-home activities to improve mental health.
Exercise
Your physical condition has a profound influence on your emotional and mental state. While getting into a workout may be challenging, the payoff is priceless, as exercise improves your mental health and keeps you feeling confident and energized. Aerobic exercise, in particular, works well because of its ease of access, as activity as simple as taking a walk is enough to get your blood flowing and isnt as difficult to commit to.
Deep Breathing
Sometimes, taking a moment to slow down and focus on your breathing is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress and improve your mental state. Inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth slows your heart rate and stabilizes your blood pressure so that your body can loosen up and relax. Its an ideal way to stop and take a small break from the stresses of your day, allowing you to look inward, prioritize your responsibilities, and reflect on how you feel and what you can do to solve the problems that stress you out.
