It is easy to forget about self-care in a rapidly changing, tech-savvy world. Yet self-care is very important and has both physical and mental benefits. It does not necessarily have to look like going to an expensive spa or journaling – some of these activities are too expensive, and some are just not relaxing enough.
There is a surprising amount of activities that have proven benefits, and some of them are also just fun to do. You wouldn’t have thought that for example, online gambling in moderation could enhance your cognitive abilities, or that decluttering your bedroom literally improves your sleep quality.
Below, we suggest 4 activities that although counterintuitive, can boost your productivity and quality of life.
Online Gambling
Surprisingly or not, online gambling can have many benefits – both cognitive and mental. Now that there are many options for gambling, spanning crypto-powered games, such as slots, poker, and blackjack, therefore, this hobby is digitalized better than ever. With the rise of Australian online casino providers, playing pokies and other exciting games has never been easier.
Depending on the game you play, online gambling can increase your cognitive engagement – in other words, improve how you approach and solve problems. Our brain exhibits a high degree of neuroplasticity – meaning that the more you exercise certain parts of it, the stronger they become. Games, crossword puzzles, and problem-solving exercises are good ways to enhance your decision-making abilities.
When played in moderation, online gambling can lead to stress relief similar to other forms of hobbies. The process of gaming can lead to mood improvements as well. When gambling, a feeling of security is important for both improved mood and enhanced cognitive engagement – fortunately, many online providers offer safe transaction systems and practice options, which can be important to create this feeling.
Painting & Art
Painting and other forms of art have therapeutic benefits. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of therapists advising painting and other forms of art expression for those struggling with stress and anxiety.
Art expression is closely related to using your hands and fingers, which enhances young children’s and adults’ motor capabilities. Unfortunately, lots of adults nowadays were never taught to play with art materials and focus on the process, rather than producing a beautiful painting. Consequently, people have learned that art is only good if it produces a good result, and if you are not ‘talented’ you should just give up on trying.
There are a number of problems with this approach to art and several art therapists agree that art can be quite therapeutic if you are not afraid to produce a mess. Try focusing on the process of painting – what do you feel, how do you interact with the painting materials and the paper, and what thoughts emerge in the process.
Decluttering
We live in a consumerist culture – let’s face it! We are quick to buy products and clothes that we might not even need, accumulating clutter in our living spaces. Psychologists agree that doing the exact opposite – getting rid of the clutter, or decluttering, can be actually beneficial for your well-being.
Decluttering your living and working spaces, such as your work desk or bedroom, has several mental and physical benefits that go beyond the philosophy of using less to save the planet. The environmental aspect is important, too, but often people talk less about the personal benefit of ‘owning less’.
To start with, decluttering actually boosts your mood and improves productivity. Fewer distractions and more space increase creativity as well. This makes sense psychologically, as buying something or stress shopping can give you immediate stress release that you might need in the moment, but as time passes, you need to shop more and more to achieve the same mental result. By contrast, decluttering actually provides slow dopamine release, meaning that your enjoyment lasts longer.
There is even some research that decluttering promotes better sleep by creating a more restful environment. This, in turn, increases energy levels and better concentration levels – and it all starts with decluttering your bedroom!
Swimming
Swimming has several health and wellbeing benefits. Psychologists often recommend swimming to people with stress who find it relaxing to be physically active but do not have enough capacity to go to the gym or run long distances. Swimming is appropriate for people of all ages and of different abilities.
Unlike many other activities, swimming works several muscle groups of the human body and can even normalize pressure. Several studies have confirmed that people with heightened blood pressure could benefit from moderate swimming exercises.
Beyond physical properties, swimming has several mental health advantages as well. It lowers stress and anxiety, and people who are not into mindfulness and meditation can find swimming a more engaging way of relaxing.
If there are no large bodies of water nearby, check out one of the community pools – they are usually cheap and efficient ways of getting fit both mentally and physically.
