Integrative Health Blog

1. Make Social Connections with Others 

Although self-isolation is sometimes necessary—especially if you’re an introvert—you should be around people when you’re feeling down. Thankfully, there are many ways to do this, such as joining gyms, attending running clubs, hiking, swimming, and visiting nightclubs.  

2. Learn Cold Water Therapy  

Since the emergence of Wim Hof, cold water therapy has become far more common. Research suggests cold water swimming has a positive effect on the mental side of human beings. You don’t have to swim in your local lake to enjoy cold water therapy. Instead, you can simply take cold showers every morning.  

3. Meditate  

Meditation is an excellent way to boost your mental health. Although it’s an ancient tradition, between 200 million and 500 million people meditate worldwide. Of course, mastering meditation isn’t easy for anyone. It will take time, diligence, and focus. However, the results are worth it in the end.  

4. Relax in a Sauna  

Is it cold and rainy outside? Even if it’s sunny outside, the mental benefits of using a sauna can be profound. Heat therapy can raise endorphins, create relaxation, alleviate depression and anxiety, and soothe muscle and joint pain. Scandinavian cultures have used saunas for centuries, but you can find saunas in almost all gyms and fitness centers worldwide today.  

5. Support a Good Cause  

There are many volunteer opportunities available should you want to contribute to a worthy cause. If you don’t have a local organization dedicated to helping a cause you value, however, you may be well served by starting your own nonprofit. The work of establishing a nonprofit corporation in service of a community need can provide a huge boost to your mental wellness. An online formation service can help you get started right away. 

6. Start Journaling  

You don’t have to be a professional writer to start a journal. The primary benefit of journaling is placing your thoughts on paper. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and enjoy a creative outlet. 

7. Start Running  

One of the best ways to help depression is through rigorous exercise. Running, especially when you’re outside in nature, is excellent for your mental health. An investigation found running can increase relaxation levels by 18 percent and improve the ability to handle stress by 29 percent.  

8. Work at Home  

Have you worked at home lately? Working at home means you don’t have to commute anymore and can spend more time with your family. After all, there’s a reason Facebook says half of its workforce will work from home by 2030. The extra sleep and additional time for exercise or healthy meal prep, as well as the time you spend with family, can all positively affect your mental health. 

Boost Your Mental Health Today  

With all the stress and anxiety in the world, it’s normal to struggle with your mental health from time to time. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. From changing your working conditions to exploring ways to relax and decompress, there are things you can do to improve your mental health today. For other naturopathic solutions, book an appointment today!

Autumn Frandsen ND is a naturopathic physician in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Her areas of interest include non-invasive options for allergies, food and chemical sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues, heavy metal toxicity, aging and more.