Written By Sesam Rana Magar, Terafty Manager.
The images are sourced from social media accounts of the mentioned cafes and Pinterest.
In a world where modern life feels like an endless competition and stress levels are ever on the rise, innovative solutions for mental healing are more significant than ever. These solutions go beyond traditional medication and explore unconventional ways of reigniting people’s will to enjoy lives with more value for it.
A noteworthy example of an innovative solution for mental healing is also showcased in our upcoming original short film “Cafe Diem.” In the film, the female protagonist treats individuals who are emotionally struggling and contemplating ending their lives by reigniting their will to live through a simulated death-like experience. This unique approach featured in the film highlights the significance of appreciating the value of life. In our last blog, we also discussed real-life examples of this innovative approach.
Today, in this blog, we will explore some innovative and effective approaches practiced by people around the world to maintain mental wellness.
1. Mental Health Cafes
Mental well-being cafes are venues that are centered around the theme of advocating mental health. Such cafes offer a variety of services and activities such as mindfulness workshops, counseling sessions, seminars and donations. Some examples of such cafes are shared below.
i) Head Room Cafe in London
In the heart of London, this cafe is more than just an eatery place. It is a vibrant hub for connection and community. It is a social enterprise cafe by the mental health charity Jami. They have free community programs that they run from Sunday to Friday, both in-person and online. The program includes sessions in co-working and wellbeing, talks and walks and other creative activities.
We can also provide support to people experiencing mental health issues on a personal level by donating through Jami. Hence, Head Room by Jami serves not only food but also vital support for mental health.
ii) Sip of Hope in Chicago
Sip of Hope is the world’s first coffee shop where 100% of their profits support suicide prevention and mental health education. The cafe’s mission is to end the stigma around suicide and mental health. It advocates the “Hope for the Day” movement that empowers the conversation on mental well-being. They also have merchandise featuring the quote “It’s OK Not to be OK,” indicating a commitment to spread the message of acceptance for mental health challenges.
iii) Wallers Coffee Shop in Atlanta
Along with the shop, Wallers Coffee Shop also has a project called Waller’s Wellness wherein videos, podcasts and social media content are produced to break the stigma attached to mental issues through coffee, songs and conversation.
iv) The Chatty Cafe Scheme in the UK
While the Chatty Cafe Scheme is an initiative and not a cafe, it collaborates with cafes to offer a space to combat loneliness. It offers Chatter & Natter tables placed in over 1000 cafes across the UK. At the tables, strangers who visit the cafes alone can freely interact with one another. They also have online chatty cafes and telephone friendship service.
2. Other Global Approaches
i) Shinrin-Yoku in Japan
Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese term used for forest bathing. Forest bathing is an activity wherein individuals immerse themselves in the natural environment of the forest and focus on sensory engagement. From observing the light rays of the sun through the green trees and admiring the intricate details of plants to listening to the chirping of birds and buzzing of insects, these sensory activities that solicit concentration are believed to be effective for mental wellness.
There are also organized activities and certified guides for forest bathing facilitated by Forest Associations and Government Forest Services in countries such as The United States, South Korea and Finland. This innovative approach not only revitalizes one’s mental well-being but also promotes the conservation of forests by instilling their value in people.
ii) Vipassana in India
Vipassana is derived from the Sanskrit word “Vipashyana” which means to see things as they are. It is a ten-day residential course offered by the Dhamma organization where participants refrain from speaking, using digital devices, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, consuming simple food provided by the organization throughout the course. While the approach may seem restrictive, it has proven to be profoundly beneficial.
The best thing about the course is that everything is completely free including the accommodation and food. However, provided that the participants are willing to contribute to the organization, they can contribute in the form of donations. Vipassana centers are located worldwide, spanning Asia/Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, and Africa.
iii) Friluftsliv of Norway
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that means outdoor living. It is the concept of open-air living encouraging people of all ages to experience outdoor adventures in all weather conditions. Norway has long and dark winters. This can induce seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the friluftsliv lifestyle is believed to balance it out.
The concept is deeply rooted in the country’s heritage. It is more like a way of life than just an activity for maintaining mental health. Norway’s 5th ranking in the UN’s 2020 World Happiness Report underscores the effectiveness of this Norwegian lifestyle. The country even has a separate law called the Outdoors Recreation Act which promotes the lifestyle. Thus, Norwegians keep themselves away from gloomy winter days or any other extreme weather conditions by practicing friluftsliv.
iv) Hygge of Denmark
Akin to the friluftsliv of Norwegian people, Danish people practice the hygge lifestyle to combat the gloom and promote well-being. The difference is, unlike friluftsliv, hygge focuses on indoor living. This lifestyle is also believed to have evolved in response to Denmark’s long, dark and cold winters.
The concept significantly emphasizes mindfulness, self-care and finding joy in the smallest of things. This mindset fosters a sense of accomplishment, contentment and happiness in life. Moreover, hygge is all about being together with people you care about or by oneself by taking time away from the usual business of life. The effectiveness of this concept in the mental well-being of Danish people is pretty much explainable by how they consistently rank among the world’s happiest people.
The concept has gained considerable global attention, leading to its commercialization through books, household goods, candles, clothing, and more. The concept has become a phenomenon in many countries around the world.
v) Internet Addiction Camps in South Korea
The influence of internet content is profoundly shaping our thoughts, often without our awareness. Our dependency on the Internet for entertainment and information has become pervasive, particularly in countries where internet access is ubiquitous. Notably, in a nation like South Korea, boasting the world’s fastest average internet connection speed, the prevalence of internet addiction is alarmingly high. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Korean government, nearly 20% of the population—approximately 10 million people—are identified as at risk for internet addiction.
In response to this concerning trend, internet addiction camps have been introduced in the country. The camps for teenagers are mostly free, with a small fee of 100,000 won ($84) for food. Boys and girls stay separately in groups of about 25 students. They participate in activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and sports. Campers also meditate for 30 minutes before bedtime. Similar camps exist for elementary students and the National Center for Youth Internet Addiction Treatment offers support year-round.
Conclusion
Individuals and communities worldwide grappling with emotional and psychological struggles are finding new paths to rediscover life’s meaningful purpose, resilience and inner peace through the above-mentioned approaches. These diverse initiatives offer practical and holistic solutions to nurture mental well-being.
Terafty 
Leave a comment