Mental Health Awareness Week: Five positive things you can do to instantly boost your mood

It's Mental Health Awareness Week, so what better time to check in with yourself and do something things to help improve your mental health.

No matter who you are, or what you’re going through, we all struggle with our own mental health from time to time, but there are some quick and easy things you can do that will make you feel a bit more centred.

Here are five things you can try right now!

1. Listen to your favourite upbeat song

Music is a powerful thing that can instantly help put us in a good mood. If we’re honest, nothing feels better than putting on your absolute favourite song and having a little bit of a dance. Why not combo the track with a breezy stroll outside for double happiness?

2. Have a nourishing meal

Eating something that’s good for you is a great mood-booster. In fact, protein-rich foods actually help to increase dopamine levels, and as we know, dopamine is the chemical in our brain that you feel good! … And, ya know, a little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone either *wink* *wink*.

3. Focus on your breathing

When we’re feeling anxious and stressed out, one thing we can all do is step back, take a break from what we’re doing and take a deep breath in and out.

Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth in time with this:

It has a surprisingly calming effect!

4. Do something kind for someone else

If you are feeling a little bit stuck in your own head, focusing on doing something nice for someone else can actually help get you unstuck. A random act of kindness will not only make someone’s day but yours at the same time.

5. Find a furry friend to cuddle up with

It’s been scientifically proven that playing with or petting animals increases levels of oxytocin and reduces stress! If you don’t have your own adorable dog or fluffy cat to cuddle up with, then ask a pet-owning friend or even head out to your local dog park where there are lots of pups eager for pats. Or just enjoy this puppy gif!

Need Help Now?

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Need To Talk? Text or call: 1737 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.