3 Unique Habits You Can Start Doing to Boost Your Mental Health
Needless to say, mental health is a big deal these days, and for good reason. So, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. But let’s face it, most advice out there has been repeated so many times it’s become background noise. Just think about it, all you every really hear is “exercise, eat well, sleep enough”—sure, those are essential, but they’re also the basics.
There’s no doubt you need these, and yes, these should be healthy habits (and requirements), but that shouldn’t be all. What if you want to do something a bit more unique, something that adds a little extra oomph to your mental wellness routine? What if you were already doing the basics but still struggled? Well, here are some fairly quirky habits that can give your mental health the boost it deserves.
Consider Some Mindful Doodling
Do you know how when you’re playing a video game like Minesweeper, you’re either just smashing random buttons without thinking or being super cautious about the next move you make? Well, for most people who play games, it can either be super stressful due to their competitive nature (or worse, if they’re playing with others), or it can be super relaxing to the point you’re not too focused, right?
Well, it’s actually a good thing to be both at ease and focused at the same time. While yes some games do this, it might even help to consider some random doodles and squiggles, too. Yes, you read that right! Because there’s no right or wrong way to doodle (unlike games where there are rules), your mind takes a bit of a break. Basically, your mind wonders, but at the same time, your creativity is there.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Everyone talks about decluttering their physical space, but what about the digital one? It sounds a little shocking, right? Well, your phone, laptop, and tablet are crammed with old emails, unused apps, and files you haven’t touched in years. All this digital clutter can weigh you down mentally.
So, you’ll need to go ahead and set aside some time to clean up your digital life. It might be a good idea to just go ahead and delete old emails, organize your files, and unsubscribe from those newsletters you never read. A tidy digital space can lead to a tidier mind. Plus, it reduces the mental load every time you open your device. It’s like a digital detox but with way less screen time required.
Practice “Gastronomy Meditation”
Have you ever heard about eating the French way? Well, nowadays, we just scarf down food because there’s always that hurry to do the next thing, to tick the next thing off the list. There’s the stereotype that the French slowly eat to enjoy their food. So that’s basically the point here.
This isn’t about eating in silence or counting each bite. It’s about savoring each flavor, texture, and aroma like you’re a judge on a gourmet cooking show. It sounds weird enough, but this means to help you feel more in the moment and be more mindful about your consumption.
