Mental Health: Alternative Approaches to Wellness

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Wellness encompasses more than physical health; it also includes mental health and emotional wellbeing. For women, adopting alternative approaches to wellness can be a transformative way to boost self-confidence and overall happiness. Here are five engaging activities to enhance your wellbeing.

Start a Veggie Patch

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Creating a vegetable garden is not only rewarding but also therapeutic. Gardening offers numerous benefits, including physical exercise, stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment as you nurture plants from seeds to harvest. Additionally, growing your own vegetables ensures you have access to fresh, organic produce, contributing to a healthier diet. Gardening can significantly reduce cortisol levels, helping to manage stress and improve mood​ (Fitbit Blog)​.

I've been caring for my veggie patches (yes, I have four of them!) for many years, and it brings me immense joy. From planting seedlings and nurturing them with water and good soil to watching them grow and finally harvesting, the entire process is incredibly satisfying. There's nothing quite like holding a ripe tomato from a plant you've tended to for weeks. You don't need four veggie patches to start, though. You can plant your seedlings in pots or use various sized garden beds. Personally, I prefer these garden beds for their convenience and efficiency - https://amzn.to/3RphfeT

Learn a New Language

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Learning a new language can be a powerful confidence booster. It challenges the brain, improving cognitive function and memory. Moreover, mastering a new language opens up cultural experiences and connections with new people, which can be incredibly fulfilling. Online resources and community classes make it easier than ever to start this enriching journey. There is also plethora of apps which you can download for free and customise to your liking.

Did you know a bilingual brain exhibits increased gray matter density in regions responsible for language processing and executive control, such as the left inferior parietal cortex. Additionally, bilingual individuals often show enhanced cognitive flexibility and improved ability to switch between tasks, due to more developed neural pathways associated with attention and inhibition. 

Volunteer at the Local Shelter

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Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the community while enhancing your own wellbeing. Helping at a local shelter can provide a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction. It allows you to connect with others, make a tangible difference in their lives, and build a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Volunteering has been shown to reduce feelings of depression and increase overall life satisfaction​.

I have volunteered at both the local animal shelter and a nearby residential aged care facility. You don't need to commit extensive time; the goal is to feel fulfilled by contributing to your community, not exhausted. Small acts, like picking up one piece of litter a day (such as discarded plastic bottles or chocolate wrappers), can make a big difference. By the end of the year, you would have collected 365 pieces of litter, helping to reduce pollution.

Use Your Skills to Teach Others

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Sharing your skills with those less fortunate can be incredibly empowering. Whether it's teaching a craft, tutoring in academics, or providing professional expertise, you can positively impact others' lives. This act of giving not only boosts your self-esteem but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Adopt a Long-Term Companion

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Adopting a pet, such as a rabbit or a cat, can bring immense joy and companionship. Pets provide emotional support, reduce stress, and encourage regular physical activity. The routine of caring for a pet can also provide structure and purpose to your daily life. Studies have shown that pet ownership can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and an overall improvement in mental health​ (Fitbit Blog)​.

If you're unsure about committing long-term, you can visit your local animal shelter and foster kittens or other animals for a few weeks at a time. This allows you to enjoy their company, and if you decide to adopt, you can take the next steps from there.

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Incorporating these activities into your life can significantly enhance your confidence and wellbeing. Each of these steps offers unique benefits, from physical health improvements to emotional and mental growth. Embrace these alternative wellness practices to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.

~ Over 40 and Contributing ~

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