These ideas can make great additions to your exercise, sleep, nutrition and meditation routine. Start with one or two that appeal to your individual needs and go from there.
1. Try something new
Whether it’s starting a project, exploring a new city or trying activities from this list - novelty can make life feel enriching, help us build community and discover more things we enjoy. New activities are thought to help our mental wellbeing Footnote [1]. If life feels a little mundane, try making a small change - maybe a new restaurant, walking route or meeting new people - or something bigger if you feel you need it.
2. Prioritise positive relationships
Healthy relationships are good for our wellbeing, happiness and even longevity. Creating and maintaining good connections with others can help improve mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety Footnote [2]. Try regularly connecting with people close to you to share the mutual gains.
3. Volunteer
Helping others benefits us too - volunteering can help us connect with other people, creating positive feelings of purpose and self-worth and improving our mental wellbeing Footnote [1]. Try and think of how you could make a meaningful impact with your time in a way you’d find fulfilling.
4. Practise gratitude
Write down three things you’re grateful for, perhaps after you meditate or before bedtime. These could be someone you know, a trait you like about yourself or where you live, or a beautiful aspect of nature. A gratitude practice helps us remember that no matter how hard things get, we always have something (or three things) to be thankful for.
5. Take technology breaks
It's good to establish healthy boundaries with our smartphones to help improve sleep, focus and overall wellbeing. Try having smartphone-free times of day (for example, 9pm to 7am) or a room in the house where you don’t look at your phone. Perhaps charge your phone outside of the bedroom to prevent late-night scrolling or keep it out of arm’s reach while you’re working.
6. Go for a mindful walk in nature
Regularly spending time in nature can positively impact our health and wellbeing Footnote [3], including boosting happiness, mental resilience, plus lowering depression, anxiety and blood pressure levels. Search for the best natural spaces near you to see if there are any you haven’t been to yet (for the novelty effect), then put your phone away and notice any trees, flowers or birds you walk past to help you stay present.
7. Get a house plant
Studies have found that indoor plants can improve our focus, productivity, stress levels and air quality Footnote [4]. Plus, they look great.
8. Add nature sounds and views at home
Although there are health benefits to owning a house plant or pet - for lower maintenance try adding nature sounds, images or views to your home environment for improved wellbeing. You could change your phone screensaver, put a landscape on the wall, listen to forest recordings while you work, or sit by a window with views of the nature outside.
9. Practise self-improvement
Think about and try rating different areas of your life - for example, your finances, health and relationships. Once you know where you want to improve, search for well-rated books and courses, or ask for tips from people you admire. Find an accountability buddy for check-ins and support, or you could find a coach or professional to assist if you feel stuck - you don’t have to do it alone.
10. Engage in creative activities
Whether it's painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument, being creative can be a great way to express yourself and reduce stress. Creativity can help you process emotions, improve your mood and provide a sense of accomplishment Footnote [5]. Even if you don't consider yourself "artistic," trying out different creative outlets can be both fun and therapeutic.
