Looking back at the past months, everyone can unanimously agree that it has been very challenging for many reasons with the Covid-19 pandemic to top it off. It’s no wonder that more people have prioritized taking care of their mental health and are constantly on the lookout for mood-enhancing activities.
Mood-Boosting Activities For The New Normal
It might feel like you’re alone in facing these challenges, especially since the lockdowns cause you to be isolated. But you have to remember that you have people to talk to and help you face these difficult times. You can also try some of these activities to help you feel better if today hasn’t been one of the best for you:
1. Exercise your mind and body.
Exercising is one of the most popular ways of boosting your mood while keeping yourself healthy. Contrary to popular beliefs and trends, you don’t need to go to the gym to work out because exercising at home is almost as good. You could also consider pairing your calisthenics with some meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises so that you could also clear your mind. Luckily, there are plenty of free apps and YouTube videos you can follow to help you do these at home.
2. Clean your house.
Picking a day for you to clean your house is a form of exercise that can help burn calories. Besides the physical benefits, cleaning also has many mental health benefits as it alleviates your anxiety and stress. You could also find some things that you’ve thought you lost or some items you don’t need anymore, which you can give away or donate to people who have use for them.
It could help you feel better by doing these activities. If there are some areas of your house you couldn’t clean on your own, you could always seek help from some heating and cooling repair services. As long as you get the job done, then you’re golden.
3. Go around your neighborhood.
Walking is one of the best ways to give yourself physical and mental exercise. It is an activity that can clear your mind and help you think clearly. It’s the same when you ride your bicycle to go around the neighborhood. You would even have the chance to discover some new spots in your area or bump into a friend you haven’t seen in a long time.
4. Sleep tight
It is a well-known fact that sleeping is essential to your health; countless research has proven it, and that sleep deprivation could even lead to some heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. It sounds awful, but you don’t have to worry when you can sleep and lessen the chances of suffering from any of these illnesses.
5. Write stories or start a journal.
It helps a lot to have someone to talk to, but you can’t find friends who would have the mental capacity to listen to what you need to let out, especially as everyone else is also going through challenging times. So, give writing a chance. You could write poems, short stories, or even start a journal. It could be a good outlet for you to express the things that are troubling you. You could even earn money from it if you work as a freelance writer.
6. Read
Like writing, reading is another form of escapism that distracts you from the current crisis. It gives you a chance to enter an imaginary world and let every stressful thing that’s bothering to disappear for a few pages and chapters.
7. Do nothing
An Italian expression, “Il dolce far niente,” translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing,” which means that you could permit yourself to do nothing and find beauty in it. You could lie in bed for an entire day and contemplate life. Do it as long as you don’t let it consume you or hinder you from feeling better. Don’t feel guilty or don’t think you’re lazy by not doing anything. Enjoy being idle every once in a while.
No Man Is An Island
The list of activities you can do to feel better is endless. There are more out there that you can try. Just get yourself motivated, and you’ll see the wonders it can do to your mood. While the activities listed here are science-backed to help boost your mood, you should also consider talking to some experts and specialists if you feel like what you’re going through is unbearable. You shouldn’t also feel shy about reaching out to your family and friends when it gets too much. Remember: you are not alone.
