Jumping on a trampoline might not seem like a particularly effective way to improve your emotional well-being. But in fact, using a trampoline can actually ease the symptoms of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. They’re affordable and easy to use, and if you’ve got kids, the whole family will enjoy using the trampoline. Here’s how it can improve your mental health:

1. A Trampoline Helps You Get Exercise

Countless studies have shown that exercise is one of the best ways to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. A regular exercise regimen can also help you sleep better at night and wake up earlier in the morning. But if you’re feeling depressed, it can be difficult to talk yourself into going to the gym or even taking a short walk around the neighborhood.

Fortunately, a trampoline offers a simple, low-effort way to get some exercise. All you have to do is stand on the trampoline and jump in the air. Once you start feeling better, you can try exercises like jumping jacks or perform tricks like you did as a child. If you get tired, you can take a break for a couple of minutes, then get back on the trampoline again. It’s one of the easiest ways to get off the couch and get your blood flowing.

2. A Trampoline Helps You Get Some Fresh Air

If your trampoline is located outside (most are, although you can buy indoor trampolines/rebounders), you’ll have an excuse to go outside and get some fresh air. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors is another way to relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. The sun is shining, the air is cool, and you’re far away from whatever might be stressing you out.

As you jump on the trampoline and breathe in the fresh air, you might start to notice that you’re feeling better. You might also start to notice things that you haven’t noticed in a while, like the sound of birds chirping in the trees or the way the wind rustles the grass. Suddenly, life starts to look hopeful and optimistic again.

3. A Trampoline Helps You Reconnect with Your Childhood

Remember going over to your friend’s house and bouncing on the trampoline? Do you remember how much fun you had when you challenged each other to jump higher and played games like “crack the egg”? When you jumped on a trampoline, you felt so high and powerful that it was like nothing could stop you.

Now that you’re an adult, it’s time to recapture that childhood joy by jumping around on a trampoline. As you jump toward the sky, you’ll experience feelings of giddiness and happiness that you haven’t felt in years.

There’s something about jumping on a trampoline that makes people feel happy. Maybe it’s because you feel lightweight, or maybe it’s the sensation of jumping toward the sky. Maybe it’s because it’s the closest thing to being an astronaut and losing your attachment to gravity. Whatever it is, being on a  trampoline is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

– Yael Porat is a parent of four young children and a blogger at GreaHomeLife. She mostly enjoys spending her time at home with her family. She is dedicated to helping to create memorable bonding experiences. 

You can contact with Yael by email: yael@greathomelife.com