Lifestyle

Your lifestyle (the small things you do every day) has a big impact on how you feel. Things like: moving your body, sleeping well, spending time in nature, listening to music… It can all help you build your mental strength. On this page we will explore different lifestyle topics and how they can boost your mood or make things harder.

Easy lifestyle improvements you can try right now!

  • Go outside for 5 to 10 minutes
    Fresh air, sunlight, moving you body (even just standing) helps to reset your mood and calm your mind.
  • Drink one extra glass of water
    Being hydrated make you feel energized, less stressed and more focused. Just one glass extra can make a big difference.
  • Move your body for 2 minutes
    Stretch, shake out your arms, roll your shoulders, dance to a song, do 10 squats. These tiny bursts of movement can boost your energy and reduce tension.
  • Do a digital pause for 5 minutes
    Put your phone down, turn the screen over (or turn your phone completely off), and just breathe. This short break can lower stress and gives your brain some space to relax.
  • Go to bed 10 minutes earlier
    You don’t have to fix your whole sleep schedule. Just going to bed 10 minutes earlier helps your brain rest, focus better, and feel less overwhelmed the next day.

!Remember: you don’t need to change everything at once. Even a small habit can already make you feel better!

Tips

Nature can help you feel better

We all deal with stress, pressure, school, family stuff or friendship drama. Sometimes everything feels too heavy in your head. But there’s one place that can always help you relax, clear your mind and reconnect with yourself: nature. Whether you sit by the sea, walk through the kunuku, touch a tree or just step outside on your porch; nature pulls you out of your thoughts and brings you back into the moment. Every week with Greenteacher I see how teens become calmer, happier and more open when they’re outside. Your breathing slows down, your thoughts settle, and your body releases tension without you even noticing. 10 tips to use nature for your mental wellbeing
  1. Take 5 minutes outside every day Look at the sky, listen to the birds, feel the wind. Small nature moments can calm your mind.
  2. Try a short “breathing walk” Walk slowly and breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. Let your body set the pace. You’ll feel the tension melt away.
  3. Choose one favorite nature spot A beach, a tree, a park, or a quiet corner in your garden. Go there when your head feels too full.
  4. Touch something natural A stone, a leaf, sand, water. Touching natural things helps you ground yourself when you feel overwhelmed.
  5. Go barefoot (if it’s safe) On grass, sand or earth. It’s simple, but it helps release stress and makes you feel more connected to your body.
  6. Put your phone on silent for a moment Being outside works much better without notifications. Give yourself 5–10 minutes with no distractions.
  7. Notice small things Look at ants, leaves, cloud patterns or shells. Your brain shifts its focus from stress to something peaceful.
  8. Spend time near the ocean The sea helps almost everyone. The sound, the smell, the wind; together they give your body a natural reset.
  9. Breathe with nature Watch the waves coming and going, or leaves moving in the wind. Breathe in when they rise, breathe out when they fall.
  10. Do something creative outside
  11. Take a picture, draw a leaf, write a short note, or collect beautiful stones. Creativity + nature = instant relief.

Remember this

Nature won’t magically fix your problems. But it will help you calm down, think more clearly and feel more in control of your emotions. It’s a simple, free way to give yourself a moment of peace and it's always close by. If you feel stuck or worried about yourself, don’t hold it inside. Talk to someone. SafePlace is here for you.