How To Boost Your Mental Health And Make A Little Extra Money

Photo via Pixabay by QuinnTheIslander

There are few among us who couldn’t use a little mental health boost from time to time. And with daily stresses eating away at our emotional state, it’s important to implement self-care as much as possible. It can be difficult to know exactly how to do that, however, or to find the time to engage in a fun activity that also relieves stress.

Fortunately, there are actually several easy ways you can practice self-care, and many of them can even allow you to make some extra money at the same time — a win-win! The key is to think about your hobbies or things you enjoy and come up with a way to monetize it. But you really don’t even have to do that, because here are some great tips to get you started.

Become a dog caretaker

Many people own pets these days, and while they are beloved members of the family, they also require playtime and outdoor time during the day when their owners are at work. This is where you come in. Not only can you make some extra cash, but you’ll be spending time with animals,  which can boost your mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. Consider becoming a dog walker or a boarder, which would require you to take a dog into your home for a specified period of time. This is also a great option for people who love animals but aren’t in a position to own one.

Turn your hobby into cash

If you’re a creative person or love to collect vintage items, you can learn how to make a successful online shop that will help you earn money while doing something you love. There are so many options nowadays for people who have something to sell; just make sure you do some research about the host site’s policies before signing up. Here’s a list of the best places to start.

Make some art

Art therapy is often utilized for individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or are in addiction recovery because it allows them to express themselves in a healthy way. It also reduces stress, which is great for anyone of any age. If you’re not a visual artist, no worries! There are many types of art, from playing an instrument to dancing to cake-decorating. Once you find one you enjoy doing, think about the best ways to monetize it. Start your own cake business, or set up at a local coffee shop on weekends to play guitar.

Photography

While technically this could go under the “make some art” tab, it gets its own section because there are so many things you can do with it. If you have a good eye and some decent equipment, you can start freelancing for a magazine or newspaper, doing weddings and birthday parties, or even creating prints and selling them. Photography is a great pastime and is the perfect way to make extra money because you’re your own boss, the pay is usually pretty good, and you have a creative outlet.

Writing

If you have an excellent grasp of grammar and syntax, writing is a wonderful way to make some extra money and burn off stress at the same time. Whether you want to pursue creative writing — which can get you prize money in various competitions — or journalism, there are tons of ways to show off your chops and build up your self-confidence. Check out this list of websites that pay writers.

Finding a way to boost your mental health and make money at the same time doesn’t have to be stressful. Do some research online and think about the things you truly enjoy doing. One of the best things about these ideas is that if you don’t love it, you don’t have to pursue it. Try a couple to see which one you like best. And remember, the idea is to have fun and enjoy yourself. The extra cash is just a bonus!