When it comes to taking care of your mental health when exhausted or feeling down, we have it down. There are some old yet popular method of self-compassion and exercise. But when it doesn’t work out anymore, we have three more unorthodox ways of thinking which can help you out when you are downtrodden.
Here are four ways to bring your optimism back:
Realize that you’re resilient, adaptable, and smart
A lot of psychological research shows that humans are stupid, such as relying on decision-making biases and not thinking enough about the long-term consequences of their actions. Though many act on the research from time to time, that is only one side of the coin. On the other hand, humans are also able to settle and populate the earth because mammals thrived in the incredibly difficult post-asteroid environment that wiped out the dinosaurs. We are also adaptable in nature, as we have survived beyond our early relatives (like the neanderthals). Additionally, have faith that you have as much courage, grit, an urge to explore and experiment, intellect, and all the other positive qualities you can imagine that humans are capable of. All you need to do is to lean into the strengths that already exist within you.
Laugh
There are times in life when you feel like you’re in the throes of depression or other mental health disorder. As difficult as it may be, make it your top most priority to laugh, especially when you are feeling these emotions. Laugh therapy really improves our emotional well-being and our overall mental health.
According to research, every smile and laugh you experience in your day releases dopamine. This chemical, in turn, produces feelings of happiness and endorphins which are our natural painkillers. The brain also releasing nitric oxide when we laugh, a reaction that could boost the immune system and improves our overall wellness.
Sing
Are you too shy to sing?
Better start practicing for now. This is because researchers have found that doing this activity releases endorphins, which could soothe the nerves and lifts our spirits. Singing also releases oxytocin, which alleviates anxiety and stress. Other than that, oxytocin also boosts feelings of trust and bonding while decreasing feelings of depression and loneliness.
One of the activities that will be good for the mental health is singing in a group or joining a choir, as it’s good for the mental health. A huge mental health benefit to doing this is having the huge mental health benefits.
Dancing is another activity that will help your mental health. Swedish researchers have concluded in a study that dancing helps reduce depression and anxiety. The positive effects of dance can even stay with the dancer for up to eight months after they stop dancing.
Another study from North Dakota found that senior adults who took a 12-week Zumba class reported improved moods and cognitive skills. Joining dance classes or social events that involve dancing increases the benefits, as this meant that the dances would connect with others and makes them more social as they make new friendships and develop relationships. An alternative is simply turning on music and dance in the comfort of your home. No matter how you choose to dance, it will boost your mental health.
What do you think of these tips? Which one are you most interested in trying?
