Introduction
How do you maintain better mental health? When it comes to mental well-being, there are many simple things we can do to care for ourselves as solo moms. Also, many resources for mental health are available to help us heal. You can do physical exercise to release endorphins, write in a journal for clarity and self-awareness, try holistic remedies like reiki, or you can get out in nature.
Nature provides some amazing natural healing abilities that other methods just don’t come close to giving you many ways to create better mental health. Best of all most activities are free or low cost and can be combined with other activities if taking the time is a challenge. Here are 7 of my favorites.
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Go forest bathing for better mental health
I’ve been forest bathing for years without even knowing what it was called. Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature and mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It involves slow and intentional walks in nature, taking deep breaths, and using all of your senses to connect with the natural environment. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. Listening to the birds singing away helps me enjoy forest bathing even more.
Forest bathing is an easy and enjoyable way to achieve better mental health as often as possible.
Go on a hike or a walk
Hiking is a fantastic way to relieve stress while getting exercise and being in nature. Although hiking is a form of walking, the difference is that walking can be done indoors whereas hiking is primarily an outdoor activity. Also, hiking tends to be longer and can take more effort giving you a better workout.
But whether it’s a leisurely stroll on a nature trail or a more challenging hike in the mountains, being surrounded by nature’s beauty can help clear your mind and help reduce stress. Physical activity also releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones, further enhancing the stress-relieving benefits of hiking and providing better mental health.
Try some gardening for better mental health
Planting something and watching it grow gives me a feeling of fulfillment. But gardening does so much more. Gardening is a therapeutic activity that allows you to connect with the earth and create something beautiful. The act of planting, nurturing, and watching plants grow can be incredibly calming and fulfilling.
Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall mental health. You can start a small garden in your backyard, or even grow plants in pots on your balcony or windowsill if you don’t have access to a garden. Herbs are easy to grow and are relatively cheap and easy to get from your local garden supply store.
Enjoy a local botanical garden
If you don’t have a backyard or just aren’t interested in gardening yourself, why not visit a local garden? Most cities and towns have one close by or at least a few towns over. You can walk through the fields of plants and flowers and just enjoy the sights and smells. This could be a fun little excursion to do with your kids. If you’re in New York City you can visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden or Prospect Park for an amazing adventure in nature.
These simple ways of achieving better mental health can fit into any schedule and be done with your children. Remember that self-care is not complicated. So enjoy each activity you participate in.
Go on a picnic
Picnicking is a simple yet enjoyable outdoor activity that can help you relax and de-stress. Pack a delicious meal, grab a blanket, and head to a nearby park or beach for a leisurely picnic. Spending time in nature, enjoying good food, and being present in the moment can help you unwind, let go of stress, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
If you’re like me you probably enjoy laying on the beach while watching the clouds overhead or the waves of the ocean. It’s a great way to connect with yourself and nature when you’re alone.
But picnicking is also something you can do with your kids. So it can make doing this activity less stressful because you don’t have to find a babysitter for them.
Watch the sunrise or sunset
There are so many ways to benefit from the sun to improve your mental health. In addition, to helping with your body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D, the sun can help regulate blood pressure and improve sleep. But for a little beauty and magic, why not wake up for the sunrise or stay outside for the sunset? These are such beautiful events that occur every single day and can be a wonderful thing to witness.
Unfortunately, many people don’t have the time or simply don’t realize how healing it can be for such a simple, natural sight. Even in colder climates, you can still benefit from watching the sun rise and set for a better mood and feeling of well-being.
Watch wildlife
Observing wildlife in their natural habitat can be a fascinating and calming experience. It can also be fun to watch the antics of certain species. For example, I remember while staying on Friday Harbor watching Llamas get up to tricks with each other. It’s like watching a comedy show. And the deep belly laughs I got were an added mental boost.
Find a serene spot in nature, such as a park, forest, or by lake, and spend some time observing the wildlife around you. It could be birds, butterflies, or even squirrels playing. Watching wildlife can help you disconnect from the stressors of everyday life and connect with the tranquility of nature.
Conclusion
Incorporating these simple habits for better mental health into your life is a great way to improve your overall wellbeing. So whether you’re gardening, hiking or just laying around on the beach, take a moment to enjoy the many opportunities that exist for you to boost your mood and create a more joy-filled life for you and your family.
If you feel like it you can combine some of these activities with journaling, meditation, or yoga to boost the effect of connecting with nature.
This post is part of my stress management series showing you simple ways to manage stress. If you need support keeping stress under wraps, join my FREE Stress Management 21-Day challenge by entering below. Get the support you need and discover a new way of being — feeling less stressed out.
