Ways to Improve Mental Health Without Medication

I like to journal. When I'm feeling really down, I just write down all the nasty and negative thoughts in my mind to get them out of there. It helps a lot.

Listen to music!

It's different for everyone for me doing an art helps me, doing some type of exercise like walking or yoga, a hot shower, running my wrist under cold water, holding something cold, play doh, being with my dog, swimming, talking to friends, self help apps

What are the things you like to do? Your interests and the things you love that's where I would start. Maybe trying some new and different things will help as well.

I find Listening to positive music on spotify help. Knitting , painting spending time with my friends who understand me . Sometimes laying down with my wighted blanket helps. I have also found YouTube volgs that I enjoy following. Remembering that its ok to say I am struggling and need to be with someone who is calming . This might sound odd but hanging out with my dog. I enjoy just snuggling with my dog when I am having a rough time with my anxiety. I also use Essential oils from Dotera that help.

Crafts

Like other people are saying, its cliche but getting a hobby that makes you feel productive when you are stagnant really helps.

Active rest like walking or a leisure bike ride. A big part of self-care for me is being in nature, even if it's just sitting in the grass or opening a window. I also do moon bathing as often as I can. I take that time to meditate in the grass under the moon, letting go of negative thoughts and setting new intentions for the next moon cycle. It helps me with the passage of times and seasons. I have to change things up in the winter as I live in a very harsh environment. Ironically, it can be a lot of work trying to relax. What is relaxing for one person is misery to another. For example, I absolutely hate baths. The warm water makes my blood pressure rise and my heart race and it just reminds me of a panic attack. I find active rest is the most beneficial to me. Creating a lovely environment to enjoy a book in, cross stitch in front of the fireplace, playing whatever video game fits for the day. A big part for me, especially if I'm stuck inside due to poor weather, is focusing on setting up the right environment. Diffusing oils/lighting candles, selecting ambient lighting, finding comfy clothes and blankets, and putting a beautiful screen with subtle meditation music/sounds on the TV to add to the overall mood of the room. I really enjoy doing this with books, selecting scents and youtube Screensaver to compliment the setting of the book. Be "extra" to make your space feel safe and nourishing.

Take a relaxing bath with your favorite smelling candles and add bubbles if you want or you can watch your favorite show or movie mines the simpsons amd king of the hill. You. Can do art or journal.

I do a lot of crocheting, knitting, needlework, and woodworking projects. The end result is always very gratifying as well as seeing the progress to the end result. The rhythm of the crocheting and knitting helps my brain a lot. It increases my focus and concentration and I get something beautiful at the end that I can keep or give away.

Talking to people really helps! Also drawing or keeping your mind focused on something like a new hobby or a new movie/tv show! Or listening to music! 😊💞

It's hard to say since everyone is different but something that I do is try to go outside and even if it's stupid dancing in the rain 😂 but I would just recommend try to do the things you enjoy