For extra warm and fuzzy feelings, consider rescuing a pet from your local shelter. However, only get a pet if you know you can take care of it knowledgeably. Don’t just keep an animal for your own benefit.
In some cases, music has been shown to help people coping with dementia, giving them a greater sense of empowerment. Music therapy is also useful in people suffering from anxiety and depression. [3] X Research source
Are you putting off getting in touch with an old friend? Make that call today! If you can’t reach the person by phone, set some time aside to write a long email, or go old-school and pen a letter. Do you feel like you are being dragged down by an unhealthy friendship? Enabling your friend’s bad behavior doesn’t do either of you any good. Do some soul-searching and decide whether to resolve things with a heart-to-heart or to simply end the relationship. Are you having trouble meeting new people? Get outside your comfort zone by going to new places, striking up conversations with strangers, taking on a new hobby, or even joining a social activity group on something like Meetup. com.
Managing stress that comes from work or family can be done by being more assertive about your needs and setting boundaries. Assertion and boundary-setting include learning to say “no” to tasks that overload your schedule, getting regular “me” time, and avoiding taking work calls when you are relaxing at home with family or friends, or vice versa. [8] X Research source Other ways to manage work-related stress consist of working smarter not harder, which means breaking down larger tasks into smaller increments and delegating tasks to others, if necessary. Also, make sure to use workplace resources like trainings and professional development events to counteract detrimental practices that may impact your health and well-being. [9] X Research source
Research demonstrates that participating in leisure activities can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health and wellness. Benefits of hobbies include lower blood pressure, less cortisol, lower body mass index and greater perception of physical abilities. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Keep notes of passages or ideas that really resonate with you. If you keep a notebook in your usual reading spot, ready to jot down such inspirations, you’ll soon amass an inspirational collection of ideas that matter to you and may help direct your sense of purpose for years to come.
Having a strong immune system allows you to respond better to stress or physical illness. Other strategies such as regular exercise, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet are also important for boosting immunity.
Exercising is one of the absolute best ways to sleep better at night. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Obviously, not-so-friendly bacteria are also in your garden. Wear gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have cats or if neighboring cats use your garden as a toilet. And wash your hands well after playing in dirt!
