Loneliness is a major symptom of depression. Check out these mental health activities and help you feel part of your community.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can be difficult to face. However, these do not need to be addressed at any time at the individual level. Many mental health activities are more beneficial when carried out in groups. Whether it’s a group of people experiencing similar problems, or in groups with friends or loved ones, activities like exercising and dancing with others can help you feel better. This not only helps you think you’re not alone, but also makes you feel more accountable by joining a dedicated group. This will help you stick to your routine. Here are some mental health activities for the group that keeps stress and anxiety at bay.
Do group activities help with mental health?
Yes, group activities and social interactions are extremely important for mental health. Group mental health activities help develop a sense of social awareness, eradicate a sense of isolation and provide a sense of belonging, explains mental health expert Dr. Ajit Dandekal. Being part of the group also provides an emotional and psychological safety net, helping you share, learn from each other’s experiences, create new opportunities and hone your skills.
These activities include sports, exercise, dancing and more. Being a part of a sports and athletic group helps protect people from depression, the study said in the journal Social Science & Medicine. Group or community mental health activities have proven to be extremely important for providing a sense of purpose and combating mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Group mental health activities of 6 people are useful
When it comes to mental health activities, what was done in the group is beneficial. Here are some ideas for you to try
1. Art and Gardening
Sessions related to arts and crafts, entertainment events, and social cognition and interaction training (SCIT) are a form of group therapy and are some of the best group mental health exercises to try. Several new concepts, such as Therapeutic Horticulture, have emerged in places where individuals incorporate gardening tasks such as planting and watering, says Dr. Dandekar. These activities reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Participation in support group meetings
One of the best group mental health activities is interacting with people suffering from similar situations. Disease or condition-specific support groups allow participants to share experiences in a safe environment, promote emotional support and reduce stigma, explains Dr. Dandekar. He said peer support for people with long-term mental health issues is important for recovery.
These groups typically function optimally with 8-12 members, allowing for diverse yet manageable discussions. You can play many games in these sessions to help people become familiar and comfortable with each other. One such example is a problem-solving circle. Here, the group discusses mental health challenges and brainstorms coping strategies. The other is to journal and then share what you wrote with the group.
3. Exercise and sports
When talking about group mental health activities, physical exercise should be included. Not only do they help improve physical fitness, they also boost your mood through the release of pleasant hormones. Such activities are often carried out in a group size of 10-15 participants. Group exercise and team sports also provide a sense of belonging and social support, which may reduce the sense of isolation and loneliness in patients with depression, the study appears in the Journal Behavioral Sciences. Each of these activities works by strengthening social connection, reducing loneliness, and promoting skill building in a collaborative environment.
4. dance
Yes, dancing together is also a great group mental health activity that will help you stay calm and happy. Group dance sessions such as Zumba and freestyle movements can help to enhance the mood and strengthen the group’s bond. Increases dopamine and serotonin, improves mood and reduces depression symptoms. Dancing with others strengthens social bonds and reduces loneliness.
5. Yoga and Meditation
Both yoga and meditation are not only a group mental health activity for you to try, but also a great individual. Yoga helps lower cortisol levels, which reduces stress. Deep breathing exercises calm the nervous system. When we practice yoga in groups of people, this helps us feel a sense of being part of a community, thereby reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Laughter yoga and partner yoga are great for building social bonds and reducing stress. When it comes to meditation, following it in groups increases accountability and motivation, and it makes you more likely to stick to the routine of doing it every day.
6. Group Walking
Walking in groups can help you feel happy. This is one of the easiest group mental health activities you can do. All you have to do is choose a group of people walking within a structured or informal environment, such as a park. It is a low-impact activity that promotes both physical and mental well-being while promoting social connection. The Silent Nature Walk is one such example.
What should you pay attention to while doing group mental health activities?
While group mental health activities are essential for overall personal growth, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a group, choosing the task at hand.
- Mixing with toxic groups can be damaging as well. Therefore, it is essential to create a safe and inclusive environment.
- The activity must match the level of interest and comfort of all participants to ensure engagement. This is usually possible with skilled facilitators who guide the group in the course of discussion.
- Sessions should be consistent for participants to build self-confidence and see long-term benefits.
- The most important aspect is also transparency, and no one is key to their success by putting pressure or judging during these activities.
Possible risks in group mental health activities
Group mental health activities can help keep stress and anxiety at bay, but there are also some risks that need to be mitigated.
- Group activities can lead to challenges such as social anxiety about individuals who are threatened in group settings.
- Too much participation can lead to fatigue and emotional burnout, and intragroup conflict can have a negative impact on mental health.
- In certain cases, discussion can unintentionally cause painful feelings of distress due to participants with past trauma.
Therefore, to minimize these risks, it is important to provide support, allow for flexibility and create a warm and respectful atmosphere for the group. Discussing treatment courses with your doctor in terms of participation in these group mental health activities can help you create the best treatment plan for you.
Related FAQs
Do group activities help with stress?
Yes, group activities such as yoga, dance, and walking promote a sense of social connection, reduce stress and release endorphins, a pleasant hormone. They provide emotional support, fight loneliness and improve your overall mood.
Is it good to walk within a group for mental health?
Yes, essentially walking through groups promotes mindfulness, reduces stress and increases mood. It also provides a great opportunity to have a social and deep conversation.
