New Activities to Try to Boost Well-Being

Well-being and self-care have never been so important as they are right now. As our lives get more demanding, jobs become 24/7, and we face more general pressures, levels of anxiety, stress, and depression are on the rise.

It shouldn’t just be during Mental Health Awareness Week that we are considerate of our own well-being and do things for ourselves. There’s no better time than right now to consider boosting our own wellness and mental health and to do something about those less positive areas in our lives.

So, how should you go about trying to boost well-being? Ideally, taking on new activities that release endorphins, perhaps involving a form of exercise, will relax the mind and make us feel excited and happy. It can be hard to decide which new activities to bring to our lives, so this is where we have stepped in.

Here are 5 new activities to consider for boosting your well-being. 

Take Up Gardening

No, gardening is not just for the elderly! Being garden proud is something that more people are now aiming for as we take more pride in the maintenance and appearance of our gardens. Studies have also shown that if you spend just 30 minutes a week outside in your garden, surrounded by nature, it can have positive effects on your self-esteem.

Spending time outdoors, attending to flowers, plants, vegetables and nature is said to fade away feelings of depression and tension. If you don’t have a garden, look for any allotments that may be close by.

Try a Women’s Sports

There’s nothing worse than when someone asks you what you get up to in your free time and you realize you don’t have any hobbies. So now is the time to take one up and do wonders for your well-being in the process.

Sport and exercise are known for boosting your mood, although physical activity is not always everyone’s cup of tea. Look at women’s focused sports which take place in the area, which can also encourage new friendships and visits to new places. Golf is a great one, as you’ll tend to chat with other ladies around the course and enjoy a catch up at the golf club afterward! You can also have fun dressing up in some luxurious women’s golf apparel, too. Look at this site for ideas.

For a fun indoor women’s sport, check with your local sports center for badminton sessions, or even keep fit classes. 

Walk a Dog

Have you heard that time spent stroking and cuddling pets can help reduce your stress levels? Being around pets releases oxytocin, which assists with reducing blood pressure and lowers those cortisol levels that lead to stress. 

If you don’t have your own, perhaps you could offer to walk a neighbors dog a couple of times a week or visit a family member who has several pets?

Get Creative with Cooking

We all love food, right? Why not embrace your own love for food and make it into more of a creative hobby? At the end of the day, you have the extra reward of eating your creation!

After a stressful day at work, take some time to chop vegetables, round up the herbs, season some meat and get into a world of cooking therapy. It will take your mind of anything else and allow your thoughts to slow down. You could even focus on healthy and nutritious meals in a bid to improve your health too. 

Start Dancing!

Don’t say ‘I can’t dance’ – anyone can dance! This activity comes with no rules and it’s one of the most fun things to do. Pop some of your favorite upbeat music on and dance away in the comfort of your own home!

You can even sign up to local groups, such as Zumba or street dance. You can literally lose yourself in the good music and exercise your body for a good hour. Watch your mood soar! 

Remember to open your mind to new activities that naturally appeal to you to spark those feelings of joy in your mind and body. It’s all about taking time away from the stress in your life and indulging in a bit of ‘me’ time.