When people talk about improving mental health, the usual suspects always show up: therapy, meditation, exercise, journaling, and the like. And sure, these are all great. But sometimes, the brain craves something a little less conventional.
Mental well-being isn’t one-size-fits-all, and honestly, it shouldn’t be. If you’ve ever thought, “Is there something else out there besides yoga and kale smoothies?” the answer is yes.
Let’s look at some slightly unconventional and surprisingly effective ways people are boosting their mental health, even if they may not provide permanent relief on their own.
Forest Bathing
It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, but forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku in Japan) is real, and it works. It mainly involves immersing yourself in nature. You do it slowly, intentionally, and without your phone buzzing in your pocket.
Research has shown that spending time among trees reduces stress hormones and improves your mood, and that’s the philosophy behind this technique. Think of it as a free therapy session with an old therapist who doesn’t interrupt you or send you a bill.
Low-Dose Cannabis
Cannabis, when used mindfully, has made its way into conversations around mental health. Many people report that it helps them relax, sleep better, and even manage anxiety in small and controlled doses.
Products like Muha carts offer a convenient way to consume cannabis, especially if you’re looking for something portable and discreet.
But, and this is important, cannabis isn’t a magic fix. Or even a long-term fix. It affects everyone differently, and it should be used responsibly. For some, it can provide mental relief after a stressful day; for others, it may not be the right fit.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is usually structured, but you don’t always need a therapist hovering over your shoulder to benefit. Sometimes, grabbing a canvas and throwing random colors at it, or writing the worst poem ever on scrap paper, can do wonders for mental clarity.
It doesn’t have to be good. In fact, the messier it is, the better. Your brain isn’t looking for perfection; it’s looking for release. And art is one of the best outlets when it comes to emotional distress or anxiety.
Float Tanks
If you’ve ever wanted to experience being nothing and everything at once, float tanks are for you. You lie in salt water, in complete darkness, and with no sound. These tanks make you feel weightless and oddly relaxed and satisfied. It’s sensory deprivation at its finest.
The result of this float therapy is your brain getting a chance to hit reset. Many people come out of float tanks feeling calmer, more creative, and a whole lot less stressed.
Laughter Therapy
We don’t give laughter enough credit. Even forced giggles can trick your brain into releasing endorphins. This is why laughter yoga exists. It usually involves standing in a circle and fake laughing with strangers.
It might sound ridiculous, and it certainly feels that way, but somewhere along the way, the laughs become real. And suddenly, you’re not thinking about your inbox or that text you left on read. You’re just laughing and feeling much lighter.