Powerful ways to boost your mental health

LifeChanger programs provide tools and tips for thousands of young people to maintain good mental health.

If the past couple years have taught us anything, it’s that our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well-being — and with small steps, we can take action to live with less stress.

Here’s eight easy tips for you to try!

• Practice “box breathing”
  • If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, box breathing is a wonderful go-to technique. Four counts on the inhalation through your nose, hold for four, four counts on the exhalation through the mouth, and then again hold for four, and repeat.
  • This breathing technique stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which entices our body’s relaxation response.

• Set boundaries with your phone
  • One of the easiest ways to stay resilient, besides turning your phone off, is to block out your online time on the calendar and stick to it.
  • Doing this simple step protects your mental health and is also empowering.
  • You are 100 per cent in control, choosing how much time you spend online, protecting your mental health.

• A moment for gratitude
  • When you wake up, recite three things you are grateful for. It is a powerful way to start every day.
  • The things can be big or small.
  • They’ll help you maintain a healthy perspective.

• Take a few minutes to meditate
  • Meditating regularly helps you reset in stressful moments and keeps your mind strengthened so that you navigate any challenges that come your way.
  • It helps you to start the day from a place of ease where you feel calmer and more focused.
• Take a cold shower
  • At the end of your morning shower, slowly reduce the temperature of the water and make it progressively colder and colder for the last minute.
  • For the last 10 seconds of the shower, the temperature is maximum cold.
  • The cold brings us sharply into the present moment and builds resilience.
• Take regular breaks to reset
  • Remind yourself to take your time with what you need to do, be kind to yourself, and take some small breaks to breathe, relax and recharge.
  • Mini breaks are a great way to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control.

• Keep a journal
  • When you reach your emotional and mental limit, everything becomes tight and tense. Every day, in a journal, express in writing whatever is on your mind.
  • This “daily dump” has a transformative power on stress that you can feel emotionally, mentally, and physically.
• Connect with nature
  • Get outdoors! Whether it’s walk through your neighbourhood, a hike through nature or a dip in the ocean.
  • The restorative powers of Mother Nature are accessible and right on your doorstep.
  • Find a way to interact and your mindset and energy levels will thank you!

Eight simple but powerful tips to improve your mental health. Which one will you try today?

Stay well!

Scott and The LifeChanger team

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