We all have days when we feel stressed, overwhelmed or exhausted. It’s beneficial to have a toolkit or a set of self-help techniques you can call upon to lift your mood and tackle stress. In this guide, we’ll share some simple strategies you can try today to give your mental health a boost.
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Spend time in nature
Spending time in nature is an effective, natural remedy for better mental health. Whether you’re near a park, you live on the coast, or you’re a stone’s throw from a forest or lake, being outside can make you feel better. Try to make time to get fresh air every day. Even if you only have 15 minutes to go for a walk in the park on your lunch break, the change of scenery will do you good. When you have more time, for example, on the weekends, be open to discovering and exploring new places, such as beaches, national parks and nature trails.
Find an activity that helps you relax
Finding activities that help you relax is an excellent way to tackle mild stress and induce a sense of calm and serenity after a frantic or hectic day. Focus on your interests and what you enjoy doing. You might want to play a game of spider solitaire on the way home, go for a bike ride, read a book or listen to music, or you may want to paint, bake or play sports. Make time for your hobbies and interests and use activities you enjoy to boost your mental well-being. Hobbies are brilliant not only because they make you feel good but also because they can help you learn new skills, make friends and broaden your horizons.
Move your body
When you’re tired or stressed, or you feel low or lethargic, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. If you can muster up the energy to move your body, you won’t regret it. Being active causes your body to release endorphins and the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain rise, making you feel good. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of sleep troubles, improve immunity and lower risks of physical health issues ranging from type 2 diabetes and heart disease to osteoporosis. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This can include all kinds of activities, such as walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, playing team sports, climbing, hiking, playing golf and doing exercise classes.
Connect with others
Reaching out and connecting with others can provide an instant pick-me-up if you feel sad or you’re struggling to cope with stress at work or home. A simple message or a quick call can make all the difference. Keep in touch with friends and family members, make time for socializing and be open to meeting new people. If you’re keen to make new friends, use your hobbies and interests, plan social activities with work colleagues and join community groups on social media.
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We all have days where stress gets the better of us or we feel low, down or lethargic. Using simple self-help techniques can help you tackle stress and manage your mental health effectively. Examples include spending time in nature, making time for hobbies and interests, doing regular exercise and connecting with others. If self-help methods don’t help, it’s beneficial to seek medical help.
