Activities to Help Improve Mental Health
It is essential to maintain both good physical and mental health as you're learning and growing. Engaging in good routines and activities can help students reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem. All of which help to prevent feeling down and for many, depressed. Some Tips and Ideas:
- Yoga: Introduce kids and teens to age-appropriate yoga poses and sequences to improve flexibility, strength, mindful breathing, and mental focus.
- Social Interaction: Encourage kids to participate in sports, games, clubs, or volunteer to promote social interaction along with physical activity.
- Hike/Walks: Getting outside and in nature can ease an active mind and bring a nice change in scenery to alter stress levels quickly. Put the phone down and take a nice walk to clear the mind.
- Reading: Reading can spark our imagination and transport us to another place, forging space between the bad thoughts that can creep in. Head to a local library or bookstore and look for something that feeds your interest. Or download reading materials right to your device of choice!
Mental health is a unique journey for every child - there isn't one solution for all but these helpful tips are a good starting point in bettering yourself. If you or someone you know is struggling or has suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. (Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/key-messages)
This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health services. The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.