11 mental health boosting activities to try

We humans are creatures of habit – but are these habits good for us? New research has shown that people’s habitual behaviours can contribute to levels of stress, anxiety and depression This is an edited version of an article which originally appeared in the Evening Standard Stepping outside your comfort zone, and making small changes by trying something new, might have just the transformative effect on your mental wellbeing that you’ve been looking for. Whether it’s something as simple as getting to grips with gardening, or going more extreme and booking that trapeze lesson, here are 11 ideas you can try to take back control and give yourself a boost. Book a trapeze class Aerial and trapeze classes are becoming more and more popular and help people to not only to get active, but literally change their perspective. Turning your body upside down, learning how to climb and growing physically stronger can be very empowering and great for confidence. Find your nearest class and learn how to fly! Start gardening Studies have shown that spending just 30 minutes a week in the garden, pottering about on the vegetable patch, can improve your self-esteem and dissolve tension, depression and anger. If you don’t have a garden, sign up to nearby allotment sites and muck in with your local community. Try an improv comedy class Improvised comedy classes may sound scary but signing up to a beginner’s class may be the most liberating thing you’ll ever do. Performing as a group to create hilarious, playful scenarios will guarantee laughter and is helpful for increasing self-confidence and overcoming social anxiety. Walk a dog Stroking a pet can help reduce stress as it releases oxytocin, helping to reduce blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. Playing with animals will make you smile. Don’t have […]

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