9 Unconventional Strategies That Actually Work
Guest post by Ronald Hadley
In a world where mindfulness apps and gratitude journals dominate the conversation around mental health, it’s easy to overlook the unconventional paths that lead to a clearer mind. Sure, therapy is great, and exercise is a game-changer, but sometimes, what you really need is something a little different—something that disrupts the routine and forces your brain to engage in new, unexpected ways. So, let’s push past the usual advice and explore eight outside-the-box ideas that might just help you reclaim your mental well-being.
Learn a Useless Skill for the Fun of It
You’re told that self-improvement should be productive—learn a language, master Excel, and finally figure out your taxes. But what if learning something completely useless, purely for fun, could actually improve your mental health? Think juggling, whistling with your fingers, or solving a Rubik’s Cube. These skills might not land you a job, but they engage your brain in a way that feels rewarding without pressure. When you detach learning from achievement, you give your mind permission to play, and that freedom can be unexpectedly therapeutic.
Try Natural Stress-Relievers
When it comes to stress relief, the usual suspects—deep breathing, meditation, exercise—are great, but sometimes, you need a different approach. Sound therapy, for example, can introduce a calmer state. Forest bathing is another underrated stress reliever and has been shown to lower cortisol levels. On the herbal side, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help improve resilience against anxiety.
Embrace the Power of Controlled Chaos
Sometimes, a perfectly organized life feels suffocating. Structure is good, but too much of it can make you feel trapped in routine. Instead of forcing everything into neat little boxes, allow a little chaos into your world. Rearrange your furniture on a whim, take an unplanned road trip, or cook a recipe with zero regard for measurements. These small acts of controlled spontaneity shake up the monotony and remind your brain that not everything needs to be predictable.
Talk to Strangers on Purpose
It’s weirdly easy to go through life without engaging in real conversations with people you don’t know. But forcing yourself to chat with a barista, an elderly neighbor, or the guy walking his dog can do wonders for your sense of connection. There’s something refreshing about these low-stakes interactions—no history, no expectations, just a genuine human exchange. And if you make this a habit, you’ll start to notice a shift: the world feels friendlier, and your own thoughts feel a little less isolating.
Write a Letter to Your Future Self (and Actually Read It Later)
You might roll your eyes at the idea of writing to yourself, but hear me out. There’s a strange kind of clarity that comes from capturing your current thoughts, fears, and dreams on paper. Set a reminder to read it in six months or a year, and you’ll be surprised at how much perspective you’ve gained. It’s a way of proving to yourself that things do change—even when they feel like they never will. Plus, past-you might just have some surprisingly wise words for future-you.
Sit in a Busy Place Without Your Phone
People-watching is an underrated form of meditation. Find a bench in a park, a seat in a café, or a spot on a city sidewalk and just… exist. No doom-scrolling, no music, no pretending to be busy—just sit and observe. Watch the way people move, the way they interact, the little moments of kindness or frustration that unfold. You’ll start to feel more present, more connected to the world around you, and less consumed by the endless mental noise of your own life.
Eat a Meal Completely Alone, Without Distraction
Eating alone in public can feel awkward, but there’s a quiet power in it—no phone, no book, no pretending to be busy—just you and your food. At first, it might feel uncomfortable, but then you’ll notice something: the way flavors actually taste when you pay attention, the way time slows down when you’re not trying to fill every second. It’s a simple way to practice mindfulness without all the bells and whistles.
Laugh at the Absurdity of It All
Life is ridiculous. Truly. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to lean into the absurdity. Watch an over-the-top reality show, read conspiracy theories for entertainment (not belief), or have a deep conversation about why pigeons walk so weirdly. When you stop taking everything—including yourself—so seriously, the weight of the world starts to feel a little lighter.
At the end of the day, mental health isn’t just about discipline and self-improvement. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mind is shake things up, break a few self-imposed rules, and let yourself experience life in a slightly more unpredictable way.
Gut Health and your mood.
A well-balanced gut microbiome can enhance mood, reduce stress, and lower the risk of anxiety and depression. Eating a diverse, nutrient-rich diet and managing stress are key to maintaining both gut and mental health.
Are you looking for gut-friendly foods to support your mood? Why not try Original Kefir, which is made with grains?
