This week we’re chatting with Jenny Okolo, a psychiatric occupational therapist and founder of SASA Health & Sensory.

Hey, Jenny. If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

Engaging in sensory activities (no, it’s not just for kids!).

Interesting! Why should we all be doing sensory activities?

Sensory activities are incredibly engaging and can be highly therapeutic. They cater to multiple senses, offering a grounding experience that helps manage stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Plus, they’re versatile and can be tailored to individual preferences and needs, which works perfectly for me.

How do we get started?

Sensory activities stimulate the senses – touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. By focusing on sensory input, you can distract yourself from intrusive thoughts, reduce stress and enhance mindfulness. This multisensory engagement anchors you in the present moment, creating a calming effect and promoting mental clarity which we all need once in a while.

One Good Thing: how sensory activities could help your mental health