October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s start the month right by prioritizing our mental health.
Experts suggest that, in order to thrive and not just survive, we have to participate in work or any activity that is meaningful to us and that we do well. Mastery and purpose are important factors in creating a thriving life. This is why having a hobby is important to our well-being. Hobbies give us the opportunity to learn and master something. It also helps to keep us connected to our purpose and a great way to get to a state of “flow.”
Flow – in positive psychology (also known colloquially as being in the zone) is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Now don’t we all need to be able to do something we are fully involved in that we lose track of time, we feel energizes us, and we fully enjoy?
Here are three examples of low-stress hobbies or activities that we can try:
1. Learn Brush Lettering or Calligraphy
Buy a calligraphy kit. They don’t cost that much and will give you hours of enjoyment. The kits already have templates to follow that’ll teach you how to do the strokes and lettering techniques to create beautiful brush lettering. It’ll also teach you how to use the pens and suggest what pens to use for each kind of lettering. Creating beautiful, swirly letters is therapeutic. Give it a go!
2. Hiking
If you’ve been cooped up too long in your house, the best way to combat cabin fever is to get out from time to time. Try hiking. You’re already ensured of two benefits:
1.) You are sure to get some exercise
2.) You get to appreciate the beauty of nature.
You don’t have to live near the mountains or the woods to reap the benefits of hiking. You just need to find a pretty park or a trail near you. You can even take your dogs with you. If you don’t have a park or trail near you, you can take a walk around the dog park. Going to the dog park is always a good way to get out of the house and meet like minded pet-lovers.
3. Crafts
DIY home decors have been the rage during the pandemic. Why not channel your inner artist into macrame, painting, decoupage, or mosaic making? Craft stores sell beginner-friendly kits that have all you need to get started on your chosen craft. They don’t cost that much and you’re guaranteed hours of fun in making them. You can even give your creations as hand-made personalized gifts.
Be curious. Try something new this month. Even if it seems hard to start, hold yourself accountable to trying new things. What do you plan to try this Mental Health Month? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp