Fun Activities to Improve Mental Health Through Giving Back
Jun 28, 2023
When you think of mental health what's the first thing you think of? You obviously think of giving back!
Ok, so maybe that's not the FIRST thing you think of, but you should definitely start thinking about it. With rapid increase in mental illness cases and depression in our society it is important that we start giving this issue its due importance. Your emotional health core is reliant on giving back, so it's a good place to start fun activities to improve mental health.
If you don't remember the purpose of the emotional health core, here's a refresher. This core is so important to your overall well-being because it ensures your mind and body is nurtured through taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
It also involves giving back as an essential element. Through dedicating yourself to helping others, you can build a legacy you'll be proud of. You can find different fun activities to improve mental health that will relieve stress and help you reduce stress. The more you give and help others, the more you’ll fill your soul with joy and get back in return.
Think of how you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you do a good deed for someone else. Giving is quite literally good for you. Even just witnessing an act of kindness can trigger this same response.
Kindness In Action
Recently I was standing in line at the drugstore. There was a young man and his mother waiting in front of me.
As we stood there waiting in line, I started to get aggravated it was taking so long. When the mother and son got to the register in front of me, I noticed that all they bought was a bag of chips and a pack of Oreos. My judging mind started to creep in, and I caught myself thinking how unhealthy their choice of snack was before I squashed the thought.
Junk food. Cookies and chips. In my frustration over waiting for so long, I started to judge the mother and son way too harshly for their choice of purchasing unhealthy foods.
As I exited, I noticed a big smile on a homeless guy’s face sitting outside the store. Upon further inspection, I saw that the young gentleman in front of me had handed him his pack of Oreos.
Bravo, sir!
I patted the young man on the back who just minutes earlier had been frustrating me a few minutes ago and said, “Nice work, man, we need more like you.”
Your emotional health core is connected with giving back because of this very reason. Giving back in any way can work to improve mental health for yourself, children and others, just like that kid did at the store that day. It can also help you to identify your core values.
Your emotional health core is connected with giving back because of this very reason. Giving back in any way you can works to improve mental health for yourself and others, just like that son did at the store that day.
Want to know a secret? A lot of people think that money and power is what drives most, but that's not the truth.
They want power and money in order to make an impact in the areas they care about. Family, humanitarian causes, a desire to change an industry, or make the world a better place.
In determining how YOU best can give back, use whatever you’re already great at and passionate about to help you leave your legacy. Maybe you can talk about mental health issues, mental health awareness and be a mental health advocate to give back to the society.
For me, it’s writing a book and building a habits tracker app that I’m hoping will lead to a movement of change where I help people become the best version of themselves. This will eventually make the world a better place.
Why Mental Health Awareness is Important?
Mental health is of utmost importance because our mental health condition affects every aspect of our lives. Therefore, it is recommended to try different fun activities to improve mental health. Here are several reasons why mental health is crucial:
Overall Well-being: Mental health and mind wellness is an essential component of overall well-being. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social aspects of our lives. When our mental health is in good condition, we can effectively cope with stress, form positive relationships, and experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Physical Health: Mental and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can contribute to physical health issues such as weakened immune system, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of developing certain illnesses. Taking care of our mental health improves our ability to maintain good physical health.
Productivity and Performance: Mental health plays a significant role in our productivity and performance in various areas of life, including work, education, and personal pursuits. When we have good mental health, we can think clearly, concentrate better, make decisions effectively, and perform at our best.
Relationships and Social Connections: Healthy mental well-being positively impacts our relationships and social interactions. It enables us to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and form meaningful connections. Strong social support is crucial for maintaining good mental health and having a positive support network helps us navigate challenges more effectively.
Resilience and Coping Skills: Good mental health equips us with the resilience and coping skills necessary to navigate life's challenges and setbacks. It enables us to bounce back from difficult situations, adapt to changes, and effectively manage stress. Building resilience and coping mechanisms contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Quality of Life: Mental health significantly influences our overall quality of life. It affects our ability to enjoy life, pursue our goals, engage in fulfilling activities, and maintain a positive outlook. Taking care of our mental health enhances our overall life satisfaction and well-being.
Life is unpredictable therefore it is essential to prioritize mental health through self-care practices, seeking support when needed, and promoting mental health awareness and understanding in society. By valuing and investing in mental health, we can lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Are Mental health and Giving Back Linked?
Yes, mental health and giving back are linked in several ways. Engaging in acts of giving back and helping others can have a positive impact on our mental well-being. Here's how they are connected:
Sense of Purpose and Meaning: Giving back to others provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves and create a positive impact in the lives of others. This sense of purpose can enhance our overall mental well-being and provide a greater sense of fulfillment. A gratitude mindset can really help you achieve this.
Increased Happiness and Satisfaction: Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity towards others has been shown to increase happiness and life satisfaction. When we help others, it activates the reward centers in our brain and releases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine. This can boost our mood and overall mental well-being.
Reduced Stress and Improved Coping: Helping others can serve as a form of stress relief and help us cope with our own challenges. Engaging in acts of giving back can provide a sense of perspective, gratitude, and empathy, which can reduce stress levels and improve our ability to cope with difficulties.
Enhanced Social Connections: Giving back often involves connecting with others and building relationships. Positive social connections are essential for our mental health as they provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. This also helps us to exit comfort zone. Engaging in activities that involve giving back can help foster these connections and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Increased Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Contributing to the well-being of others can enhance our self-esteem and self-worth. When we make a positive impact in someone else's life, it reinforces our own value and significance. This can lead to increased self-confidence and a more positive self-perception, benefiting our mental health.
It's important to note that giving back should be done in a balanced and sustainable way, taking into account our own well-being and boundaries. Finding ways to contribute to causes or communities that align with our values and interests can make the experience even more rewarding and beneficial for cardiovascular health and our mental health.
Five Fun Activities to Improve Mental Health Through Giving Back:
Engaging in fun activities that also contribute to giving back can have a profound impact on your mental health. These activities not only bring joy and fulfillment to your life but also create positive change in the world around you.
These fun activities to improve mental health can also help in maintaining healthy relationships with the society. Here are five enjoyable and healthy ways to improve your mental well-being while making a difference:
"Pawsome Pet Visits": Spend time volunteering at an animal shelter, playing and interacting with loving and neglected animals. Not only will you bring joy to the animals, but the therapeutic benefits of their company will also uplift your spirits.
"Green Thumb Community Gardening": Join a community gardening project and help cultivate beautiful green spaces. Green spaces have many mental health benefits. Digging in the soil, nurturing plants, and seeing their growth can provide a sense of calmness and fulfillment. This will not only improve your mind wellness but also improve the environment.
"Art for All": Organize an art workshop or donate your artistic skills to underprivileged individuals or community centers. This can help you to leave a positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged sections of the society. Engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, or crafting can be a therapeutic outlet and a means of self-expression for both you and those you're assisting.
"Library of Kindness": Volunteer at a local library or start a book donation drive to provide reading materials to underserved communities. Sharing the joy of reading and expanding access to knowledge can have a profound impact on individuals' well-being while fostering a love for learning.
"Music for a Cause": Organize a musical performance or workshop for a charitable event or local nursing home. Sharing the gift of music not only brings joy and entertainment but also promotes emotional well-being and uplifts spirits.
By engaging in these fun activities to improve mental health, you not only improve your mental health but also create positive ripples of change in the lives of others, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Fun Activities to Improve Mental Health - Conclusion:
In conclusion, mental health is crucial for our overall well-being, physical health, productivity, relationships, resilience, and quality of life. It is essential to prioritize mental health and mind wellness through self-care practices, seeking support when needed, and promoting mental health awareness.
Moreover, mental health and giving back are linked, as acts of kindness and generosity towards others can positively impact our mental well-being. Engaging in fun activities to improve mental health provides a sense of purpose, increases happiness, reduces stress, enhances social connections, and boosts self-esteem. Finally, participating in fun activities that involve giving back can improve mental health while making a positive difference in the world around us.
By engaging in different fun activities to improve mental health, we can experience joy, fulfillment, and contribute to the well-being of others, fostering a sense of purpose and creating positive change.