When was the last time you gave your brain a break from the stress of everyday life? It turns out, daily mental time-outs are essential for your well-being \u2013 and every bit as important as your physical health.<\/p>\n
Ignoring your mental health puts your overall health in jeopardy. Whenever you experience a stressful event, the hormone cortisol courses through your body as part of the infamous \u201cfight or flight\u201d response.<\/p>\n
That response is essential in that it allows you to respond to the situation. But if those stress hormones don\u2019t have time to take a dip afterward, the negative consequences can pile up. Spend too much time on the edge of stress and your metabolism, sleep cycle, immune system can suffer. Your risk of heart disease and inflammation can also go up.<\/p>\n
The good news is: Mini time-outs can keep your stress defences strong. These time-outs don\u2019t have to last long \u2013 change can happen within seconds. Ready to take your first mental break? Give one of these six ideas a try.<\/p>\n
Take a deep breath Step outside Practice gratitude Get up and move Hang out with a pet Give yourself a daily digital detox <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When was the last time you gave your brain a break from the stress of everyday life? It turns out, daily mental time-outs are essential for your well-being \u2013 and every bit as important as your physical health. Ignoring your mental health puts your overall health in jeopardy. Whenever you experience a stressful event, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[108,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mind-and-spirit-en-nl","category-mindful-living-en-nl"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\n<\/strong>As clich\u00e9d as this sounds, taking a deep breath (even just one) is not only relaxing, it can have a positive effect on your entire body, including your immune system.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Nature has positive effects on your psychology and mental health. One study found that people who walked in a forest had lower concentrations of cortisol compared to those who walked in an urban setting. Even if you don\u2019t live near a forest, simply stepping outside can soothe your mind.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The next time you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, write down one or two things you\u2019re grateful for. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s as simple as a cup of great coffee or something as important as your family. Frequently reflecting on what makes you grateful can help you find the silver lining in a tough day.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Research shows that exercise is good for your mood. And it doesn\u2019t have to be structured exercise, like going to a gym or taking an exercise class. Just walking for any length of time is beneficial.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Unless you\u2019re allergic, petting a cat or dog might lower your body\u2019s stress response. No pet at home? If you have the time, volunteer at a shelter or visit a friend\u2019s pet.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>If you\u2019re constantly checking news, texts, e-mails, and social media on your digital devices, you\u2019re not doing your mental health any favours. Studies show the very devices invented to make life easier have actually added to our stress loads. While it\u2019s not realistic to break up with smart technology entirely, be at least aware of how much you\u2019re using your devices during the day and schedule time away from them.<\/p>\n