How's your mental health?

How are you these days? Mental health has become a major topic in the past decade. There's been a rise in intense psychological distress, depression, and mood disorders, especially among the young generation (mid-twenties and younger according to studies like this). While one’s family life and genetics play a big part, many experts also point to the increase in digital and social media use, which has changed the way we interact and even our sleeping habits. 

In light of World Mental Health Day last month, let’s look at ways on how we can improve our mental well-being. 

1) Let's touch some grass

Besides getting enough sleep and putting in thirty minutes of exercise five times a week, stepping outside to get a dose of nature is known to be good for our mental health. It can relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels. If you live near a park or any green outdoor space, spend at least 20 minutes there each day. Working in a CBD? Most have small parks. In BGC, you can even try your hand at urban farming. 

Growing your own food, bringing nature indoors (let your plantita era fly), and helping the environment in the way you do your craft are just a few simple ways to immerse yourself in nature, while helping in your own little way to create a more sustainable future. 

2) Get involved 

Helping people, getting involved for causes you believe in, volunteering—it’s not only good for your community but research has shown that it’s good for our mental health too. It’s known to reduce stress and give a dopamine boost because volunteers get “a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.”

Getting involved in something you find meaningful can also give you a sense of purpose. Have a talent or skill at making zines, upcycling old containers, or watercolor painting? Share them with your community through workshops or how-to videos. 

3) Learn new skills

Learning new skills have been known to improve one’s mental well-being. Scientists have long shown the connection between our brains and how it improves as we learn new skills. This also translates to better mental health as learning a new skill or developing a hobby can ease boredom, relieve stress, and even boost self-esteem. 

You can start with more practical skills if that’s what you’re keen on, like learning to cook your favorite restaurant dish or finally learning how to drive. You can also find a hobby that interests you, like how Hannah Armada of Studio Haebi took a pause from creating pins after learning some hard lessons on rebranding and having her confidence shattered. She had always wanted to make resin art, particularly resin dice for friends she played Dungeons & Dragons with. Even if it took “15 batches to make something presentable,” Hannah found a hobby she wanted to keep pursuing, which helped her find her way back to why she started Studio Haebi and that it was okay to restart. 

4) Pay attention—to one thing at a time 

When was the last time you really paid attention? Do you scroll through endless TikTok videos while doing other tasks? Do you squeeze in a quick late lunch while you attend a Zoom meeting? These days, we’re so good at multitasking, we forget that it’s bad for our mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, multitasking can compromise our brain functions and make us feel chronically stressed, which can lead to other problems such as anxiety or high blood pressure.

Instead of trying to do multiple things at the same time, you can cut out distractions when you’re trying to work or do an activity. You can also try to practice mindfulness—whether it’s doing some simple meditation, breathing exercises, or taking a mindful moment in a park—paying attention to what you’re doing or where you are in the present moment can help you appreciate what’s right in front of you.

5) Make IRL connections 

When we connect with others, we get to feel we belong. It’s also an opportunity for us to give and receive emotional support from the important people in our lives. It can be as simple as talking to someone you trust or arranging a coffee date with a friend that you haven’t seen in a while. 

If you’ve decided to take up a new hobby and learn a new skill, put yourself in situations where you can meet people with the same interests. Look for workshops and talks on topics you enjoy—everything about coffee, mending clothes, or just all about art and illustrating—and you’re sure to find similarly-inclined folks.  

When you find yourself struggling, know that there are things you can do to attend to your mental health. Pay attention to what you need. You’re worth the time and effort to do so.