As we are continuing to learn more about mental health, we are realizing that it is just as important as physical health. It is still a concept that has not been widely adopted by society, but every year it is becoming a focus for more individuals who are pursuing wellness. Workplaces are shifting how they do business to care more for their employees and foster a culture that makes workers feel valued. Fitness regimes are including a mental health aspect. Therapy is starting to distance itself from the negative stigmas that use to be attached to it.

There are so many ways that you can support your mental health that many people know about. But there are just as many methods that may seem unconventional. When it comes to your mental health, you should be willing to experiment to find whatever behaviors will help you in this area of wellness. Want to know a few unconventional ways to support your mental health? Keep reading.

Go to a Smash Room

What is a smash room you ask? Essentially, it is a recreational activity where you can pay to destroy electronics, glassware, and other items to release some of your pent-up energy. While this practice is certainly not for everyone, some may find it incredibly relieving to take a bat to an old television set and smash some glasses across the room. Smash rooms are starting to pop up more and more as an entertainment option, but they can also be beneficial to your mental health if you are dealing with a lot of stress or pent-up energy. Again, this may not be for everyone, but for the right person, it could alleviate some of that stress and allow you to move forward with a little more optimism. Plus, it can be downright fun!

Declutter Your Home

You may not even realize that a severe source of stress could be coming from the condition of your living space. A cluttered home can contribute to anxiety even if you are not aware of its effect. It can be overstimulating and reduce your ability to relax at home, which should be a space to escape and do just that. Look around your house and start decluttering to reduce your anxiety. You may find that when the job is done, your mind feels a little clearer, and this unknown burden is suddenly lifted from your shoulders.

Purchase a Nice Hammock

When you combine the feeling of suspension with time spent outdoors, you get a hammock. Hammocks are a fantastic way to get outside and relax a little bit. If you purchase the kind that you can install anywhere between two trees and that closes around you, it can literally feel like a cocoon of safety. This wonderful little invention can bring you a sense of peace while swinging gently outdoors, soaking up some sunlight, and breathing in the fresh air. This habit could do wonders for your mental health and is the perfect escape from a busy day. Nothing feels better than laying in a hammock and reading a book for pleasure or listening to a podcast of your choice.

Take Dietary Supplements

You may be thinking that supplements have more to do with supporting physical health rather than mental health. However, these two are so closely connected. Choosing to adopt a new habit that supports vibrant physical health like taking supplements can also support your mood because it signals a change in your lifestyle. Taking this step shows that you want to make changes to shift your mindset, and implementing vitamin or mineral supplements into your diet is a simple way to do that. Just remember that supplements should never act as a substitute for a balanced diet, as food is a much more efficient delivery system for nutrients.

Start a Journal

Journaling is another practice that many people do not realize is extremely supportive of mental health. Reflecting on the day allows you to recognize the struggles that you went through and the accomplishments that made you proud. In the future, when you face more hardships, looking back on how you made it through previous challenges can be very encouraging and help you through the current obstacles you are facing. Plus, keeping a journal can help you track progress toward your professional, personal, and health-related goals. If you aren’t sure how to do this, check out this article about the best practices for effective journaling.

Self-Care Should Always Be a Priority

It is easy for our busy schedules to get in the way of adequate self-care. You might feel like you have far too many responsibilities each day to spend time investing in your mental health. But that is probably part of the problem. You are overextended. This could mean that you are not as effective the rest of the day.