Mental health gym at home ~ here's how ⤵️
We can't all afford to hit up the local mental health gym, so let's make a sanctuary at home
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Ever stumbled upon the term "mental health gym" and thought, "What in the wellness world is that?" Well, same here, and let me tell you, it's a game changer for our busier-than-ever lives. I learned about this concept more than a year ago and immediately started planning my at-home space.
We all know mental health is as crucial as eating healthy and exercising, but how about pumping up your mental muscles just like you do at the gym?
That's where a mental health gym steps in – it's not your average therapy session, but a powerhouse of activities and classes focusing on feeling fab mentally. Ok, doesn’t that sound amazing???
Imagine a place buzzing with yoga mats, mindfulness sessions, and groups chatting about conquering the world, one positive thought at a time. It's like having a personal trainer, but for your brain. And no, it's not exactly therapy – it's for those days when you're feeling good but want to feel great.
But what if you're miles away from the nearest mental health gym or your wallet says a big nope to joining one? No sweat!
How about building your own mental health sanctuary right at home?
Yep, I'm talking about a DIY mental health home gym. And no, you don’t need to break walls or your bank for this.
Before I go any further, I am going to share this disclaimer: a home ‘mental health gym/sanctuary' space is not a substitute for therapy. It is a space you create at home to support your mental health. If you need to talk to someone about your mental or physical health, reach out to your therapist or doctor.
Here’s how to create your mental health sanctuary at home:
Pick a space and make it green. Look around your home and find a corner or a whole room that has a clean and calm vibe, and let’s get planty. 🌿 Real or faux, plants are like a breath of fresh air for your brain. This space can simply be a chair in the corner that looks out the window, or facing a wall with a calming piece of art, or maybe in front of a fireplace. It can be any place in your home that makes you feel good.
For me, it was a corner in my bedroom near the window in a cozy little lavender plushy chair that I paid $5 for at a yard sale.
Set the mood in your space. Some ideas: candles, crystals, essential oils, and a meditation pillow – create a mini-retreat for your mind. I am a sucker for a candle burning to set the mood.
Set out your yoga mat. Whether it’s for yoga, stretching, or just lying down and contemplating the universe, a yoga mat is a must in my sanctuary. I recently ordered this simple yoga mat. It’s just the right length and thickness. The last one I had was so thick I was tripping over it.
Add a journal or sketchbook. When thoughts overflow, let them flow onto paper. When your artistic side emerges, a sketchbook can capture your creativity.
Inspiring books stacked up next to your chair feels dreamy, doesn’t it? Nothing like a good book to feed your brain and soul. I am reading Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk right now and feeling ultra-inspired every time I read a page.
Curate a mix of calming tunes, meditation guides, and maybe some yoga flows. It's like having a mental wellness DJ playlist. For me, it’s low-calming music that sets the tone.
This playlist is my fav:
Schedule ‘me-time’ into your calendar. This is key. Block off time in your busy schedule for this mental workout. It’s a date with your inner zen, which we all need. It can be 5 minutes or an hour - just get in ON YOUR CALENDAR!
And hey, while we're talking about mental fitness, don't forget some brain-nourishing foods.
Here are 1️⃣4️⃣ foods/drinks to consume on the regular to keep your noggin’ healthy:
Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve communication between brain cells.
Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and can improve memory and cognitive function.
Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for brain health.
Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for brain health and can improve memory and cognitive function.
Dark chocolate contains caffeine and flavonoids that can improve brain function, increase blood flow to the brain, and reduce the risk of stroke.
Green tea contains a compound called EGCG, which can improve brain function and protect the brain from damage.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect the brain and improve memory.
Kale contains folate and iron, which are important for brain health.
Eggs are a good source of choline, a nutrient that is important for brain function and memory.
Whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support a healthy brain. Bonus - whole grains can support heart health.
Olive oil like avocados is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help improve memory and cognitive function. Count me in!
Beets are rich in nitrates, which can improve blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function.
Fermented foods contain probiotics, which can improve gut health and support brain function. Healthy gut, healthy brain.
Herbs such as rosemary and thyme, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect the brain. It’s so easy to add herbs to almost any meal.
Do you have a zen zone at home? Drop a comment and share what makes your space special. Let’s inspire each other to keep our mental health in top shape, one cozy corner at a time!
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✍️ An article on Medium you might enjoy: 20 Unique and Fun Wellness Hacks That You’ve Probably Never Heard Before
Until next time…
Cheers to a healthier and happier you!
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Great ideas, Melissa! I love the idea of creating my own mental health gym at home!
Re-stcked. A Wellness sanctuary at home is a nice idea. I'd tell this my kids ^^^
In our community in Substack School I left a comment in regard to the title of your publication. You could also ask your community here on Substack about it. Maybe Find your inner superwoman would be an idea.