AD – This is a paid advertorial but all thoughts are my own. Information in this blog post should not be taken as medical advice.
I talk about mental health a lottttt on my blog. Most recently about how I’ve been un-diagnosed with my anxiety disorder and how my medication has literally changed my life. But before that, I use to rely to improving my mental health naturally. I think that’s an important topic to talk about because not everyone can and wants to use medication for their anxiety or mental illness. So let’s talk about some natural ways to improve mental health.
I just want to state, before we go any further, that I’m by no means a medical professional and this information shouldn’t be taken as advice. If you have any mental health problems, you should always contact your GP first. I’d also like to add that the information within this post isn’t aimed at anyone with severe mental illness. These are just general well-being tips which can improve your mental well-being.
Okay, now that’s out of the way, we can get stuck in to the juicy stuff! I’m big on natural enhancement of your mental well-being. And I truly believe that we have to look at the bigger picture and take care of our mind, body and soul as one entity.
There are so many incredible remedies, tools and practices out there which are natural ways to improve mental health and we should be taking full advantage of them, depending on what’s suitable for us. Whether that’s therapy, nature or CBD capsules.
Ready to look at some natural ways to improve mental health? Here are some suggestions!
7 natural ways to improve mental health:
Exercising regularly
I mean, I don’t have to tell you the benefits of exercise on mental health. We’re told that exercise is good for us for the second we step out the womb. But exercise really is such a powerful natural way to improve mental health. I’ve been on my own well-being journey this is and exercise has without a doubt been the biggest factor. I feel the fittest I’ve been in YEARS and exercise has generally made me an all-round happier person.
Recommendation: Holly Dolke – YouTube HIIT Workouts
Yoga and meditation practice
We all know how much I love Yoga by now. However I’m NOT one of these people that’s convinced Yoga is the cure for everything. Depressed? Just do some Yoga! That’s an extremely dangerous mindset to have. But Yoga is an amazing natural way to improve your overall well-being – including mental health. There are a ton of benefits on mental health from doing Yoga, so this is high up on my natural ways to improve mental health list!
Related: 8 Reasons To Start Yoga in 2020
Get those vitamins in
Getting your vitamins into your daily diet is obviously an incredibly important aspect of staying both physically and mentally healthy. Getting enough of the right vitamins has such incredible effects on brain function, immune system, muscle function and so much more. Here in the UK, we get around 2 weeks of decent sun a year. And even then, we need to make sure we’re staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
So ensuring you get enough vitamin D, the Vitamin D spray from Truth Origins is a great option especially when there’s so many Vitamin D benefits! I was kindly sent the SHINE Vitamin D3 spray, which ensures I’m never lacking in vitamin D – which is mega handy for me, considering I work from home and don’t go outside some days.
The spray is derived from plants, contains no chemicals or toxins. Is so easy to use and small enough to pop in your bag too, for if you’re out and about for the day. And there’s also the Truth RISE addition to the collection, which is Vitamin D and CBD combined into one neat little spray with an absolute TON of benefits from both the Vitamin D and the CBD.
The most natural way to improve mental health: fresh air
Fresh air and nature is a great way to switch off and relax from the stress of every day life. When you need a natural way to improve mental health, particularly stress, this is a good one to opt for. Going for a walk in the park next door to my house has really helped me lately get out of my own head and has become a vital part of my daily routine to manage my mental health.
Use herbal remedies to ease stress
Before I was put on medication, I used herbal remedies for my anxiety for a number of years. Of course none of them had quite the power that medication does but they did help take the edge off of my stress and anxiety. So if you’re looking for something to just nip it in the bud, then this could be a great natural way to improve mental health. There are plenty of different brands and products of natural, herbal, remedies to try!
Related: 6 Treatments For Stress and Anxiety
Switch off from social media
Something else that’s become a VITAL part of my weekly routine is switching off from social media. When I first took my blog full-time, I was ON IT all the time. 24/7 I was on social media, promoting my posts, creating content, replying to comments and emails. I never stopped. And the constantly whirl of social media started to seriously get to me. I was sick of it. So I’ve introduced screen time limits and social media free days and it’s done wonders for my mental health.
Related: Why You Should Have a Digital Detox (+ What To Do Instead)
Consider therapy to improve mental health
It’s up to you whether you consider this to be a “natural” way but to me, natural means anything that isn’t medication. So yes, therapy is natural. Talking is natural. Communication is natural. Personal growth is natural. I honestly don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for therapy so I can safely say this is one natural way to improve mental health that has worked incredibly for me.
[…] most cases, people will generally hold on to their favourite memories. This in turn can greatly improve your mental health when reminiscing about certain times, or feelings you had during your […]
[…] Related read: 7 Natural Ways To Improve Mental Health […]
[…] this year I worked with Truth Origins on a blog post about 7 Natural Ways To Improve Mental Health. Although I’m currently on medication for anxiety, I am a firm believer in a natural remedy […]
Such an uplifting and beautiful post. Thank you for your lovely share.
Thanks for sharing! Hopes, it helps those who is in need of this 💖
I hope so too 🙂
I actually rely on taking a walk or working out on the rooftop of our building whole feeling the fresh air to feel better! Meditation and yoga is also very helpful to me! Now I got more ways on how to improve my mental health more thanks to you 🙂
I would love to hear your thoughts on my post as well!
never assume tomorrow
I’ve always wanted to workout on a building rooftop. Odd thing to desire lol
All of these are spot on and I’ve used them all myself. I also use CBD patches to help ease stress and put me in a more positive mood. Mornings at the gym help set my pace for the day, a priorities list keeps me productive throughout the day and counselling has really helped me take control of my life and mental health.
Amazon tips! Thanks for sharing! Exercise and fresh air – really important!! ❤️
Nice read. kudos.
I tried using homeopathic remedies and i found it very beneficial. The only thing is I was paying 600$ a month for all the items.
Christ, that’s a LOT. Have you tried Bachs Rescue Remedy?
It was for depression, OCD, and anxiety
I’m having a bit of a hard time with my mental health at the moment so this is actually incredibly helpful! I’m back on medication but I also need to be much more mindful of a few of the things you’ve mentioned. For me, combining exercise and being outdoors can actually be such a gamechanger! I need to get out hillwalking again soon!
Oh it really can. One thing on its own is unlikely to make a massive difference but combining them can be game changing!
Thank for sharing. I need to exercise more. I know I do, but I keep putting it off. However, I am due to go for a run/walk in about an hour!! The first time in…. months 0_0 x
Oooh hope it went well!
I’ve heard some incredible things about herbal remedies for anxiety, one of my friends really says they help him with his mental health! Thankyou for sharing x
Ah that’s great to hear. They can be a really beneficial way to take the edge off xx
Vitamins has been a very important diet people don’t know.
Thanks so much for sharing.👍
Agree 😌
Thanks for sharing, I have tried herbal remedies to make my sleep better and rescue remedy when I’m stressed about situations, also walks are great to 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
That’s great. Rescue Remedy is fab!
I’ve recently started taking VEG1 multi-vitamins to ensure I get enough B12 and Vit D is included – was taking that anyway but they’re both the same price! I never actually knew that you could take Vit D in spray form – that’s such a good idea.
It is isn’t it? So handy to keep in your bag too!
I really need to start yoga again x
Thank you for sharin this, it’s so helpful!
Rosie
These are some great tips Jenny! I’m a big stress head but do utilise some of these natural strategies to manage those overwhelming stress levels. Going outside or sitting by an open window in the sun is probably the one that helps me the most but I do also use roll-on essential oils and take multi-vitamins.
I really enjoy doing yoga, and want to get back into it, but my son has a tendency to climb on me mid-pose which is um… not the most relaxing thing in the world haha.
Thanks for sharing Jenny!
Hahah no I can imagine not!
I really need to start taking vitamin D again, it can have so many positive health effects can’t it? I haven’t looked in to any other vitamins though, maybe I should x
It really can, vitamin D is so helpful!
I didn’t know we could even be undiagnosed with anxiety! I’m glad that you moved forward. Also, social media is a big cause of anxiety so I completely agree especially when their are so many debates going on right now. I’ve personally been feeling pretty helpless about it all.
Thank you 🙂 Yep, if you don’t fit the criteria anymore then you don’t have the condition!
Thats good to know! Haha I have a long way to go though
Great post filled with fantastic advice!! I didn’t know that you could get vitamin D in the form of a spray, that’s definitely something I am going to try! Exercise, walking, curative hypnotherapy, eating healthy and communication are the main things I use to maintain a healthy state of mind xx
Sounds like you’ve got it down!
I really need to start exercising regularly!! xx
I’m also someone who prefers natural ways to improve your mental health but if you think medication is something that could help you then, by all means, go ahead. Working out, yoga, and meditation really helps my mental health. I’m especially a big advocate for working out to help depression, it won’t “cure” anything but I know the endorphins really help boost happiness. ♥
http://www.mooeyandfriends.com
Totally. I wasn’t getting any further in my recovery until I went on meds.
Such good tips! Fresh air and taking a break from screens is so key for me. Makes me grateful for my dog walks every day 🙂
Yes, same. Dogs are great for that!
I love that you utilize natural remedies to help ease your anxiety. I’ve heard great things about herbal remedies so I’m glad to read that they’re working out for you. Personally, I take B6 & B12 to help support my nervous system and it’s helped with my mood too!
☼ cabin twenty-four
I don’t anymore but I used to and they were great!
I think a lot of people overlook just how much social media can impact our health and well-being! Recognizing that and having the self-control to walk away when necessary is an incredibly powerful tool. While I work on social media, so I can’t completely unplug, the biggest change I made was to shut off notifications for all social media on my cellphone. That way, it’s available when I need to check on it for work but it’s not constantly reminding me of everything or increasing my stress levels.
That’s a really good idea. I might have to give that a go!
Some really good tips here on how to improve general mental health and wellbeing, obviously meds can really help and can change your life but natural remedies can also be a nice act of self care and also really be beneficial. I like that you included social media detoxing and also other practical things like yoga and vitamins. Thanks for sharing Jenny xx
Thanks lovely. Yeah it totally depends on the extent of the issue but it never hurts to take a bit more care of our mental well-being in general!
I am back on my meds since December last year while being off them for 3 years. I am fine with that. I learned long ago that I will probably be off and on them for the rest of my life. I also went back to therapy full time. I am fine with that too. I also found out that walking, fresh air and sunshine help me alot when stressed qnd feeling low. You know what I am happy with my life right now, even thought on meds, I am pleased on how things are going. Lovely post
I’m exactly the same. I personally love being on my meds.
I have used natural remedies too and they do help. I did have to start meds eventually but that’s another story I think as I really got pushed over the edge. Honestly Jenny, these are exactly the tips I would give and each of them is so benefical to maintaining our mental health. Great job.
Thank you 🙂 Meds are great though, if they work for you!
Vitamins is something I’ve started to take a lot more seriously. I don’t think anything beats getting out into some fresh air though.
That’s great to hear. And I agree. Fresh air really can literally clear your head!
These are some great tips. I definitely agree taking time away from social media every now and again can make a huge difference.
It really can. I love my social media free days!
It’s always nice to see a post that includes therapy as an option. We need to be more open about it to normalize it. Otherwise people won’t get the help they need. I’m a big fan of using essential oils to calm me down and try to use it in my bedtime routine. I love refreshing scents for the morning too, although tend to go for a fruity bodywash rather than an essential oil! I’m also a big fan of Vitamin D which you mention. I try and use it particularly in the winter when we don’t get as much sun 🙂
Oh for sure. Nothing embarassing at all about therapy. I bloody love it. If i could afford it, I’d go every week haha!
These are great tips Jenny! I am very intrigued by the vit D spray…I’ve just started taking some supplements form Holland and Barrat. I don’t know if it psychological or actually working, but my energy levels have defintely improved!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
That’s great to hear!
These are such great tips as always!
Yoga has helped my mental health so much and I find it so calming ☺️
Love Lozza x
http://girlygabble.com
Same! As soon as I roll out my mat, I feel a sense of calm!
I’m a big believer in the power of fresh air. It can literally have you do and emotional 360 and just feel all better.
Totally agree!
I’m always looking for extra little things to help my mental health! I’ve been doing the vitamins every day and therapy once a week! Just trying to slowly increase my steps since I find workouts a little awkward!
Daisy xoxo | According To Daisy
Doesn’t matter if no one is watching!
Never heard of Vitamin D spray! I will have to look into this. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I’ve been doing home workouts and yoga with my daughters during this time. It really does help. Great post Jenny. 🙂
That’s great!
Brilliant tips Jenny! I’ve recently started doing home workouts and it’s having such a positive effect on my mental health. Going for walks too and having some fresh air can do wonders xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
That’s great to hear!
Some great tips. I swear by yoga and meditation for my mental health. I’d love to give that spray a try too as it sounds incredible!
What I Have Wrote
Would definitely recommend!
These are some great ideas Jenny! These tips I’m sure will suit everyone’s needs x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you 🙂
I really struggle with my mental health, but I have found that meditation and taking breaks have really helped. I also use a calming balm which is really relaxing – perfect for sleepless nights! Thank you for sharing these ideas
Love, Em x
Oooh that sounds lovely!
Thanks for sharing! I definitely agree that when I get fresh air, my mental energy is so much better!
Totally! Fresh air can be magical x
I think yoga is also a good way to live more in the present and in the moment, which also helps improve mental health!! Great tips 🙂
Absolutely!
Daily yoga and exercise has made such a big difference in my mental health! Even if that exercise a brief walk outside, I love the fresh air and it can so refreshing. Distance from social media is something I have been working on but it has been a challenge. Thanks for sharing!
Same! Exercise has some powerful effects!
Nice one Jenny!
These are great suggestions! I’m working on building yoga into my regular routine and I definitely need a social media detox. (Probably should make it a family thing, really. It’s such a time suck!)
Thanks!
It really is!
I agree on every single point here, I’ve woven some of these into my daily habits posts. We can always do a little bit more to help improve our mental health. For me it was clean eating, excersise and therapy.
That’s great to hear, Ffi!
Excellent post Jenny! I always try and get some light and fresh air first thing in the morning. Whether it’s through walking to work or just opening my window. I find it so, so helpful.
That’s a great idea. I wish I had more time to go for walks in the morning!
Great post and great tips, definitely the meditation is the fav for me but all can be useful 😊
Thank you 🙂
My mental health hasn’t been the best since lockdown started and all and honestly, this post has quite a few tips I didn’t even think of! Thanks for sharing!
So sorry to hear that. Hope some of this can help you!
I love this, Jenny ! I’m also very big on trying to do things naturally first before using medication . So for me who has panic disorder, meditation has helped a lot with staying calm and learning how to slow down overwhelming thoughts. Yoga in the morning and night is also helpful ! I’m not that big on cardio exercise but I find that going on long walks and getting that fresh air makes the world of a difference. Journaling is also one coping mechanism I’ve found helps me sort through my emotions and my triggers !
Sounds like some really healthy coping mechanisms you’ve got there! I love natural remedies although for me I wasn’t getting any further without meds. Long walks can be amazing for clearing your head!
These are brilliant tips, I’m sure everybody will find something here that suits their needs. And a natural option is always better than medication, even though sometimes medication really is THE thing to help one get better. The exercise bit is so so important! Even a walk counts, and going for a walk in the forest every day for just half an hour kills 2 flies in one hit 😉 I love nature walks, no matter how angry I might be, a nature walk is all I need to calm down.
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
Personally nothing has helped me more than medication has but that’s just me. I wouldn’t be where I am without my med. But I use all these natural things to supplement and feel even better.
I’ve been thinking that I’m not doing enough for my mental health, but I’ve been able to cross off quite a few things on this list! Thanks for this validation xx
You’re welcome 🙂