How do you take care of yourself? When you are in a period of mental health recovery you might learn more about yourself. You might also find new ways to recover and relax. I definitely find that my recent illness has made me consider a whole world of possibilities for engaging in mental health recovery.

Time is a great healer. And there will always be dips and blips in your journey. But if you engage in active recovery, I think that you will find that your journey reaches new heights of success and contentment.

When you have been through a significant trauma, there will be a period of adjustment. You may be suffering from grief, depending on the nature of your mental health recovery. Or you may be processing the trauma in different ways. Certainly, if you broke your leg, you wouldn’t go out for a run on it after just a couple of weeks in recovery. Would you? It is important to take your time, and heal gradually.

What kinds of things can you do to stimulate your process of healing? These are the activities that I find the most beneficial in my mental health recovery:

1. Art therapy

It was so nice to find that drawing and doodling in my sketch book helps me to activate the right hand side of my brain. I find that it can help me get in touch with my feelings.

The process of drawing allows my feelings to be communicated in a non verbal way. And when I colour these drawings, it gives a very clear picture of my emotions in those moments.

This is beneficial for that reason alone. It is also helpful as an active mindful activity. It focuses my attention on what I am seeing and doing with my hands.

Art therapy is a highly recommended activity for anyone who is engaging in mental health recovery. It is also helpful for every day emotional awareness. You may learn more about yourself than you previously knew through the process of intentionally using drawing, painting, craft or sculpture to express yourself emotionally.

2. Guided mindfulness exercises

I have been using two apps recently for these mindfulness exercises. Firstly I was using the Headspace app and really enjoyed it. It is a really, good, high quality app, but it can be expensive to sign up for. Maybe I will sign up in a while.

There is also a free mindfulness app called Smiling Mind, which is actually working out quite well for me so far. I am finding the effects of the exercises are extending into my every day life and making me more mindful generally, and outside of the exercises.

Mindfulness can help to improve your mood, your focus and your sense of contentment. People who engage in mindfulness actually have changed brain structure. They also find that they notice benefits in social life and work that they never dreamed possible. Mindfulness actually focuses the attention of your mind.

3. Exercise

There is nothing nicer than the feeling of accomplishment and the endorphins that you can get from a session outside or inside exercising. And that is exactly what you can focus on at the beginning of your workout to motivate you to get out and do this regularly and to make it a habit.

The ‘craving’ for the feeling after you have finished, or even just for the coffee you will have or the lovely shower you will experience after you finish is a lovely reward for your efforts. The more you focus on this craving, the easier it will be to engage in these habits automatically.

The process of exercise can be very meditative itself and even better if it gets you out and about in nature. I also find that exercise classes at the gym can help to stimulate mental development. Especially if there are complex sets of steps to learn and follow. Evidence shows a connection between the mind and the body. So if you can move, this will help you in your mental health recovery.

4. Reading about psychology

Now is the perfect time to catch up on some of those book recommendations that you have regarding issues that you may be facing with regard to your psychology. I am reading a book about habits at the moment. It is very interesting and very rewarding. I think it will help a lot.

Although self help, such as books and courses have been found to be not quite as effective as talking therapy with a counsellor, they do still have significant benefits. Especially if used in combination with talking therapy.

You can actually with time and developing skill, learn to be your own therapist. This is one of the best outcomes of talking therapy. There is a wealth of information on the internet for all manner of psychological issues that might be troubling you. Now is a good time to read and learn.

5. Sunshine

We are lucky in Australia right now because spring is here and it feels so lovely to be outside in the sunshine. I have been taking the opportunity to go to a local park and simply sit in the sun with a kombucha and soak up the sunshine.

Sunshine can have such a positive effect on your mood. And the vitamin D that you will get from a few minutes in the sun will improve your health as well.

6. Nature and gardens

Green is supposed to be a verdant colour of life and growth. It is the most calming colour of all the colours. Spending time in nature is sure to be healing to your spirit and your mind in your mental health recovery.

Water is also thought to be a very healing element of nature. Have you ever noticed the experience of spending time near the water and feeling your soul become cleansed by the air and water?

The healing capacity of nature cannot be underestimated. If you have Botanical Gardens nearby you, or live near the ocean, or even just a park nearby, you can experience the benefits of the effects of the natural world on your soul.

Now that you are recovering from a major mental health trauma, it is important to prioritise activities that are enjoyable. I hope that you will take the time during your week to get into nature.

7. Cultural activities out in the world

Although it can feel like a challenge to get out into the world and to engage in social, cultural or recreational activities when you are feeling less than average, pushing through the inertia can be so rewarding.

I find that if I push myself to get out into the world and get to something cultural, this has a huge effect on my mood. It might be a solo trip to an art gallery or something with a group of friends. Even if you may struggle during the event, and learn more about yourself, these kinds of activities can leave you feeling much more connected and positive.

Relaxation as a destination for mental health recovery

In finding new ways to relax and to recover in my mental health recovery, I have learnt new ways to spend my free time that do not involve work. This is a bonus in itself. These seven activities are just the start of a list of hobbies and activities to engage in regularly for self care and to keep your spirit happy and healthy.

During this period of recovery, I hope that you will give yourself permission to heal, take care, take your time and to engage in activities that you find both soothing and pleasurable. It might be that you have learnt a lot about yourself through the experience. So, I would encourage you to explore further. It is a good opportunity to get the most out of this opportunity to grow as a person. All the time, supporting your mental health and engaging in activities that nourish your soul.

Take care of you!!