Mental wellness is an important part of your overall health. San Diegans are no strangers to the stresses of daily life and work, so it’s essential to take some time to be mentally well. Here are some tips for making sure your mind is at its best:
Get Outside with Your Dog
Go camping, hiking, or walk on the beach with your dog. There are plenty of nearby trails and beaches that are dog-friendly, so finding somewhere to go in San Diego shouldn’t be difficult. You can get outside and enjoy nature, explore new places, or even bring along another person. You’ll both reap the benefits of being active while enjoying time together in nature. Walking along San Diego’s beaches is a great way to enjoy the sand, the sun, and the water all at once. The sunshine, sound of waves crashing against shoreline rocks and salty air will help your mind stay healthy and happy.
Turn Off Your computer, Television and Phone and Read a Book
Reading is a great way to relax and learn new things. The best part? There’s a book out there for everyone. Some books are nonfiction, which can help you understand other cultures or improve your vocabulary. Other books are fiction, which lets you get lost in an exciting story, or learn about people’s lives from different perspectives. Reading also helps you develop new interests, so if one book doesn’t interest you, try another one.
Take a Class
Take a class on something you’ve always been interested in. If you’re like many San Diegans, taking the time to learn something new and useful can be difficult when you’re busy with work and other commitments. However, it’s important to always keep learning as a part of your life because it helps improve your mental wellness by keeping your brain active and engaged in new activities. If you want to invest in yourself, consider taking a class on something that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for. You can do anything from learning to cook to trying out stand-up paddling for the first time.
Let Go of Addictions
Getting help when you struggle with substance abuse is critical. It’s okay to admit you have a problem and then seek out help for it. There are plenty of places to get private, intimate detox in San Diego if you need it. While some people benefit from group therapy, others need a more personal setting to let go of their addictions.
Go for a Long Ride With a Friend
Find someone you can trust and go for a bike ride or walk with them. You don’t have to go on an epic mountain biking trail ride, although a great many opportunities exist here. Just get outside, get moving, and share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. Exercise has a positive effect on mental wellness, so the more you can do it, the better.
Start a Garden
Everyone should have a garden. Not only can a vegetable garden improve food security, but it can also help you improve your mental health as you spend time outside cultivating your garden. Start small, with just one or two plants, and grow your garden from there. The right plant in your garden can boost your mood and lower your stress levels. Research which plants are best suited for where you live and consider herb gardens if you have limited space.
Join a Volunteer Group
Another great way to improve your mental wellness in San Diego is to help others. Volunteering with a local organization can be a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. When you work in a group, you’re forced to interact with others, which can help improve your mental health by providing social interaction that’s often lacking in modern life. You could consider volunteering for the San Diego library, the food bank, or even a local animal shelter.
Plan Regular Outings with Friends or Family to Keep up Relationships
It’s important to make time for your friends and family. Whether you go out to dinner, or grab a cup of coffee, relationships are critical. This is especially true if you live alone, as San Diego has a high population of single people. It’s easy to get wrapped up in work or other obligations—so much so that you forget about the people who are close to you. But research has shown that having good social relationships improves your mental health, so it’s crucial that you maintain these connections outside of work.
