If you were asked for a few tips on how to improve mental health, you’d probably be able to list a lot of sensible advice – like the long term benefits of having a good sleep routine, eating plenty of vegetables, getting enough vitamin D, and having downtime from screens. But there are a few surprising extras that can boost mental wellbeing which may not automatically spring to mind… read on for some ways to add to your healthy habits!

We know that exercising and keeping active is really beneficial for mental health, but what about when we’re sitting still? There’s evidence that the way you sit can affect how you feel – slumping can trigger feelings of powerlessness and fatigue, while good posture can help you feel more energetic, uplifted, and able to handle stress. You don’t have to go full-on power pose: just straighten your back with your shoulders level, slightly stretch the top of your head towards the ceiling and gently lower your shoulder blades. Worth a try, right? 

‘Hang on,’ we hear you saying, ‘extra chores'? I thought this was supposed to be about feeling better!’ Feel free to skip this one, but it’s surprising how many people find it helpful. Firstly, it’s a manageable goal (one small room) and you’ll get a little dopamine hit of achievement once it’s done. That’s true for any task, but cleaning seems to have a special significance… like somehow you’re metaphorically cleaning out your inner world as you clean the outer one. (AND you get to bask in the added loveliness of a shiny bathroom afterwards...)

Throw all your school essay writing guidelines away and give free writing a go. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, neatness or punctuation, or even making sense (no one else needs to read it). Don’t stop for corrections or edits; just stay with it, in the moment. Writing out the flow of your thoughts can help unravel knotty problems – you may be surprised what connections pop up, or how your whirling thoughts and feelings crystallise into an insight you hadn’t expected. Set a timer for 10 or 20 minutes, start writing and keep going until the time’s up.