The Best Mental Health Blogs For Stress | Supercharge Your Mood

Podcasts. One word, amazing. But, I’ll say more. A podcast is basically internet talk radio. It is an episodic series of digital audio or video files which a user can download to listen. The topics of the content can practically be anything from boning up on history to travel, yoga, personal growth, you name it. I will specifically discuss mental health podcasts and how helpful they can be.

A few years ago when I worked in NYC, I had to come to grips with the fact that I was now a commuter.

Consequently, I quickly became one of the pod people who sits on the train twice a day questioning their career. I’d check my phone to see how much time is left while wedged into a four-person seating area meant for three.

A coworker had mentioned that I could use my time on the train to listen to podcasts. Just like that I was a different kind of pod person (see what I did there?).

Luckily, their is a podcast for everyone. If you look up a topic you are interested in and type in podcast on any search engine, you”ll find that someone does in fact have a podcast about that topic.

It’s the new “There’s an App for That.” There is definitely a podcast for that and you can use this to your advantage.

For me, I always felt disappointed that I found history so boring in high school and never paid attention.

Listening to podcasts about historical events, especially ones that added humor to the subject, gave me a shot at redeeming myself.

 I no longer have to nod my head during a World War II discussion pretending I knew all about it.

When it comes to mental health, there are so many podcasts you can listen to when you’re having a day in which you need coping skills and introspection.

Everyday and every moment can come with a different mood your feeling. You may feel stressed, you may be in a silly mood, you may even be in a sinister mood.

Whatever mood you’re feeling, there’s a podcast for that.

Why Listen to Mental Health Podcasts?

If you ever find yourself doing a task that doesn’t require your full attention you could be listening to something that will broaden your horizons. This will be your more mindless activities, so to speak, such as laundry, cleaning, or anything in which you do not need to focus.

I am the primary caretaker for my two babies which can sometimes make you feel stir crazy if you’re home too many days in a row.

Podcasts mentally “get me out of the house” and take me to a place where I’m educated, intrigued, current, whatever I want to be, really.

Use this time wisely and travel to another mindset of your choosing.

Here are some reasons to listen to podcasts:

• to educate yourself- I love “Stuff You Should Know”
• to stay informed – “The Frontline Dispatch, “Ted Talks”
• to laugh- “Mortified” will have you awkwardly laughing out loud on a crowded train
• to become motivated- “The Daily Boost”
• pick a wildcard topic you’ve always been interested in and wanted to know more about. For me, for instance, this is “NASA.”

Podcasts are growing in popularity everyday. I love that people are choosing a less stimulating way of entertainment in which you can close your eyes and disappear into the topic at hand.

It’s easier to be more mindful when you’re just listening to something.

A great podcast search engine that can help you narrow down your focus is Listen Notes. It makes it easy to browse by topic or search by keyword.

Just like the show you’re currently binging on Netflix, you”ll scramble for the opportunity to hear the next episode of your new favorite podcast.

The best part is you can take it with you anywhere because it’s right on your smartphone which is all but attached to your hip anyway.

Just be sure not to over do it by missing out on real human connection. After all, it’s what most of us are all seeking in the end.

What Does This Have To Do With Stress Relief?

Well, depending on your stress level, you might want to turn on a podcast that helps you unwind and leave the past in the past, or you might need a podcast that’s more guided and focused toward healthy coping mechanisms.

Although podcasts aren’t a substitute for mental health counseling, they can be used as an empowering way to help yourself and learn more about what you’re going through.

My Top 5 Favorite Mental Health Podcast Suggestions

1.  The Anxiety Coaches Podcast

Check out episode 538: CALMING BREATHING MEDITATION FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY 

2. Sounds Good with Branden Harvey

Courtesy of Sounds Good With Branden Harvey  podcast

Sounds Good With Branden Harvey is a weekly podcast with inspiring conversations with optimists about happiness, overcoming struggles listening to inspiring  topics such as mental health and using your influence for good.

3. The Struggle Bus: Self-Care, Mental Health, and Other Hilarious Stuff

The Struggle Bus is an advice show about mental health, self-care, and everyday life. Co-hosts Katharine Heller and Sally Tamarkin answer listener questions about family, friends, work, mental health, love, and much more.

4. Not Another Anxiety Show

You’ll get practical tips, resources, and guidance about how to combat anxiety (Ahem!, you can also find that here) through the eyes of host Kelli Walker – registered nurse, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and former agoraphobe. The tone of the podcast is humorous and light-hearted. Right up my alley and hopefully yours.

Check out one of my favorite episodes Ep 154. Fierce Self-Compassion

5. Managing Stress

Courtesy of the Managing Stress podcast

The podcast “Managing Stress” from Johnson and Bartlett offers guided meditation aimed towards stress management and healthy coping mechanisms. You can listen to relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation.

Wrap Up

There you have it. With a little bit of digging, it’s totally possible to find a podcast to fit your specific need.

Podcasts are a great way to learn about new things, and when it comes to mental health, there’s no shortage of great content out there. We’ve shared our top five mental health podcasts with you, but we want to know – what podcasts do you recommend? Share your favorites in the comments below, and help others find relief from stress and anxiety by sharing your favorite resources.