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3 Things No One Thinks to Do for Mental Health
But Should
When we think about improving our mental health, the typical suggestions come to mind: therapy, meditation, exercise, and maybe some time outdoors. While these are all valuable tools, there are several lesser-known but equally powerful methods that can boost your mental well-being. In this newsletter, we’ll explore three often-overlooked activities that can make a significant impact on your mental health—starting with one that might surprise you: martial arts.
1. Practice Martial Arts for Mental Clarity and Confidence
When you hear the phrase "martial arts," you probably think of physical strength, discipline, and maybe even self-defense. What you might not realize, however, is that martial arts can have a profound impact on mental health. Whether it’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate, or taekwondo, martial arts offer a unique combination of physical and mental challenges that can lead to increased mental clarity, emotional balance, and confidence.
How Martial Arts Affects Mental Health
Mind-Body Connection: Martial arts require you to focus on your body, your breath, and your movements. This intense focus helps quiet mental chatter, similar to the effects of meditation. When you’re on the mat or in the dojo, you’re entirely present, and that sense of presence can help you detach from stressors or negative thoughts.
Building Confidence: Learning self-defense techniques and advancing through different belt ranks fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance. Knowing that you can protect yourself, or that you’ve mastered a difficult move, boosts confidence in all areas of life. This newfound confidence can help combat feelings of anxiety or inadequacy, both common mental health struggles.
Stress Relief: Martial arts are a full-body workout, and physical exercise naturally boosts endorphin levels, helping reduce stress. The repetitive nature of drills and sparring also provides an outlet for pent-up emotions, making it a productive way to channel frustration or anxiety.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to martial arts, start by attending a beginner’s class. Many gyms offer trial sessions where you can see how the discipline resonates with you. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, for example, is a great option for those looking to combine mental strategy with physical activity.
Story: James’ Journey Through Martial Arts
James, a 32-year-old software engineer, had always struggled with anxiety and low self-esteem. After years of therapy and mindfulness exercises, he still felt like something was missing. A friend suggested trying Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and although James was hesitant, he decided to give it a try.
At first, it was intimidating—learning new techniques and grappling with others who had more experience—but over time, James noticed a shift. He became more focused, his anxiety began to fade, and the physical challenge of jiu-jitsu helped him channel stress. After a few months, James felt stronger both mentally and physically, and his self-esteem skyrocketed. Martial arts, he discovered, was the missing piece in his mental health journey.
2. Take Up Journaling for Emotional Clarity and Stress Management
Journaling is one of the most effective yet overlooked tools for mental health. While many associate journaling with keeping a diary as a child, the practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences has proven benefits for managing emotions, reducing stress, and gaining clarity. It’s a tool that requires little more than a pen and paper but can offer massive returns for your emotional well-being.
How Journaling Benefits Mental Health
Processing Emotions: Writing out your thoughts helps externalize them. Instead of letting worries or negative feelings swirl around in your head, journaling lets you put them on paper, where you can analyze and reflect on them more objectively. This process can make even overwhelming emotions feel more manageable.
Stress Reduction: Numerous studies have shown that journaling helps reduce stress. By writing about stressful events or situations, you can diffuse their emotional intensity. Journaling also allows you to track your triggers and patterns, offering insights into how to manage future stress.
Boosting Self-Awareness: Journaling helps you get in touch with your inner world. Over time, you may notice patterns in your thoughts and feelings that you weren’t aware of. This self-awareness is a critical component of emotional intelligence, and it can lead to better decision-making and relationship management.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to journaling, start with a simple prompt like “How do I feel today?” or “What am I grateful for?” Spend just 5-10 minutes each day writing, and over time, increase the depth and length of your entries as it becomes more comfortable.
Story: How Journaling Helped Emily Manage Anxiety
Emily, a busy nurse working through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, felt constantly overwhelmed by stress. Her job was physically and emotionally draining, and she struggled to cope with her feelings of burnout and anxiety. One night, unable to sleep, Emily pulled out a notebook and started writing down her thoughts. It wasn’t long before she made it a nightly habit.
Through journaling, Emily began to notice patterns in her anxiety and stress. She discovered that writing about her day helped her process difficult experiences and allowed her to release pent-up emotions. Over time, Emily’s anxiety lessened, and journaling became a key tool in her self-care routine. For her, the practice was more than just a way to reflect—it became a lifeline.
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3. Engage in Creative Hobbies for Cognitive Flexibility and Emotional Release
When thinking about mental health strategies, creative hobbies like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument are often left out of the conversation. Yet, creative expression can be a powerful way to improve your emotional well-being, develop cognitive flexibility, and tap into a sense of purpose. Whether it’s through art, music, or writing, these hobbies provide an outlet for emotions, allowing you to process feelings in a non-verbal way.
How Creativity Boosts Mental Health
Emotional Expression: Creative outlets provide a safe space to express emotions that are difficult to verbalize. Whether you’re painting a picture, writing a poem, or playing a piece of music, the act of creation allows you to channel emotions like sadness, anger, or joy into something tangible. This process can be cathartic, offering a release for feelings that might otherwise be bottled up.
Boosting Cognitive Flexibility: Engaging in creative hobbies can enhance your brain’s ability to think in new, innovative ways. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, creative activities increase cognitive flexibility, the brain’s capacity to shift perspectives and consider multiple solutions to a problem. This skill is particularly beneficial when dealing with stress or anxiety, as it helps you approach challenges with a more open mindset.
Enhancing Focus and Flow: Creative hobbies often induce a state of “flow,” where you’re so immersed in the activity that you lose track of time. This flow state is associated with greater happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being. It’s also a form of mindfulness, as you’re fully engaged in the present moment, leaving no room for worries or distractions.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about being “good” at a creative hobby—focus on the process, not the outcome. Whether you’re painting abstractly or strumming a guitar poorly, the therapeutic value comes from engaging in the creative process itself.
Story: How Art Helped Olivia Heal
Olivia, a high school teacher, had always enjoyed art but had never considered it more than a casual hobby. After going through a difficult breakup, she felt lost and unsure of how to process her emotions. One day, on a whim, she picked up her paintbrush and began creating abstract art. The act of painting became a form of therapy, helping her release her grief and sadness in ways that words couldn’t express.
Over time, Olivia noticed that painting not only helped her process her emotions but also gave her a sense of purpose. She began experimenting with different techniques and even joined a local art group where she connected with others. What started as a healing tool evolved into a creative passion that enriched her life and improved her mental health.
Embrace the Unconventional for Better Mental Health
Mental health is a complex, multifaceted journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. While traditional methods like therapy and meditation are important, there are other, often overlooked activities that can have profound effects on your well-being. Whether it’s practicing martial arts for clarity and confidence, journaling to process emotions, or engaging in creative hobbies for emotional release, these unconventional strategies can help you strengthen your mental health in ways you might not have considered.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your mental health journey. Explore new hobbies, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and give yourself the tools you need to thrive emotionally. After all, your mental health is worth the effort.
Stay Healthy,
Mental Wellness Team
This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies
Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.
That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.
Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.
We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.