On a tight budget and looking for ways to improve your mental health? Don’t worry—there are lots of ways to improve your mental well-being without emptying your pockets. Here are five ways to boost your mood and overall mental well-being without spending much at all.
Exercise
Exercising reduces stress and can ward off depression and anxiety, and quell it if already present. You don’t need a gym membership to sweat—go for a walk or run around your neighborhood, or do exercises in the park that only require your body weight. There are also lots of free yoga and exercise videos online, if you need a little extra push.
Photo by Kristoffer Trolle
Journaling
Journaling doesn’t have to be expensive unless you want to splurge and get an extra-fancy notebook. But for now, a simple school notebook or something from the dollar store will serve the purpose. As long as you have something to write on, journaling helps to release feelings, worries and stress by getting the thoughts out of our heads and onto paper. Maybe try a gratitude journal or another form of journaling to mix things up.
Photo by eklarkins
Get Outside
The great outdoors is an amazing place to improve your mental health. The best thing is there isn’t really anything you need to do while you’re out there other than breathe. Refreshing our minds and bodies with clean and fresh air helps re-stimulate the brain and wakes us up if we’re feeling groggy. For extra benefit, try exercising outside. 
Photo by bark
Eat Well
Switch out that bag of chips for a bowl of fruit or veggies. Eating healthy foods is a cheaper option than processed snack foods that are full of sugar and fat. Plus, there are tons of nutrients in healthy foods that are good for your brain and heart.
Photo by connie58
Group Counseling
There are lots of organizations that host community meetings or group counseling sessions that are open to anyone and don’t cost a penny. These are safe places where you can share your experiences, worries and fears, and connect with people who understand what you’re going through.
Photo by kaboompics
Feature Image: True New Zealand Adventures
