The last 12 months have certainly brought some challenges, and for most of us, the daily grind has quickly taken a toll on our sense of wellbeing. The good news is that with the right mix of activities, we can begin to find peace, joy and balance again. In this article, we explore 21 wellbeing activities for adults that could help you make positive and lasting changes to your physical and mental health. #1. Be in Nature Few things are as instantly beneficial to your wellbeing as being in nature. Whether it’s a long walk on the beach, exploring leafy forests, taking in the sights from the top of a hill or simply sitting in your garden, try to get out into nature whenever you can. #2. Declutter your Space Decluttering doesn’t just improve your living space; it also has proven health benefits. Tidying up, donating unwanted items to charity and storing things away can lower feelings of anxiety, reduce the allergens and dust in the air and even improve your sleep quality. From your wardrobe to your kitchen cupboards, give your space a thorough declutter this weekend. #3. Start a Journal Keeping a daily journal is a great way to process your thoughts, set achievable goals, track your progress and just generally offload the stress of the day. Write down things like how you feel, what you’ve done, what you’ve eaten and what you’re grateful for. #4. Try Yoga or Pilates Many people credit yoga and pilates with improving their mental health, as well as improving their muscle tone and strength. Both activities can also improve your posture and increase blood circulation, giving you a sense of head-to-toe wellbeing. There are lots of classes you can try online; the NHS even has some yoga tutorials you can follow. #5. Overhaul your Diet What we eat has a far bigger influence on our wellbeing than we realise. We know the culprits to avoid; fried, fatty, sugary or processed foods. But did you know that even some of the healthiest ingredients like dairy or eggs could affect your wellbeing? Keep a food journal and note if you feel bloated, uncomfortable or even low after eating certain foods; then cut them out for a few months. #6. Create Most of us spend large portions of our lives in front of a computer screen. Even if we don’t work with computers, we’re often glued to our phones. Spending time making something with our own hands is not only a great exercise in mindfulness, but gives us a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. Whether it’s overhauling an old piece of furniture or trying a Bob Ross painting, get creative! #7. Invest in a Massage A good massage has a multitude of benefits. As well as improving circulation, reducing muscle tension and supporting soft tissue recovery, it can reduce your stress hormones and promote a deep sense of relaxation. Whether it’s easing tension in your neck and shoulders or soothing aching feet, consider treating yourself to a massage every now and then. #8. Heal with Scents The scents in our home can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. Open your windows every day to let in fresh air, then try out diffusers or room sprays that contain natural, uplifting herbs and citrus fruits - lemon, grapefruit, basil and bergamot are all wonderful mood boosters. #9. Plan a Trip It’s been a long time since we’ve had something to look forward to. But studies show that planning a trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself. Think about a place you’ve always wanted to visit, whether for an afternoon or a week, and put it in the diary. #10. Phone a Friend We’re often in the habit of messaging or emailing our friends and acquaintances. Why not give them a call instead and have a proper catch up? Studies show that real conversations and connections are vital for our mental health and self-esteem. #11. Try Meditation Meditation is one of those activities that takes a while to get right, but the benefits can certainly make it worth the effort. Taking time out to meditate each day helps you focus on the present, reduce negative emotions and even change the way your brain processes stress. #12. Cook Something Nourishing Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after eating something really nourishing? Your body needs certain nutrients to thrive. A balanced meal should include a protein (like eggs, feta or chicken), some vegetables (the darker and leafier, the better) some healthy fats (nuts, seeds, oils) and complex carbs (quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato). #13. Take a Class Learning new things helps to keep your brain active and creates new opportunities for social interaction and connection; both of which can give you a real boost. What have you always wanted to learn? Whether it’s watercolour painting or home DIY, explore new skills today. #14. Try CBD Oil Many people looking to create a healthier lifestyle and improve their overall wellbeing have discovered the numerous benefits of organic CBD oil. From post workout muscle relief and easing chronic pain to getting a good night’s sleep, CBD oil could help you live your best life. #15. Explore New Places Even if we can’t travel too far at the moment, taking the time to explore every nook and cranny of your surroundings, or spending the morning wandering around a neighbouring town or village can give your mood a lift, as well as making your daily walk more interesting. #16. Set Boundaries It’s easier said than done, as so many of us fall into the habit of ‘people pleasing’, but setting healthy boundaries is essential for your mental and physical wellbeing. Give yourself permission to only say yes to the things you really want to do, and to be more selective with your time and energy. #17. Beautify your Space Even the smallest changes to our daily surroundings can be hugely uplifting. Think about the rooms you spend the most time in, and observe how they make you feel. Are the colours too dark? Does the layout feel right? Could your living space benefit from a bit of greenery? Beautifying your space needn’t cost the earth; tiny tweaks can make a huge difference. #18. Unplug your Tech In the digital age, we’ve become so addicted to our phones, laptops and TVs that switching them off is almost unthinkable. But studies show that unplugging your tech can have immediate benefits for your mental health; it reduces stress, improves your sleep quality, allows you to recharge and helps you connect with and enjoy your surroundings. #19. Grow Plants Whether it’s a herb box in your kitchen window or a flower bed in your garden, growing plants is a great way to boost your wellbeing. Nurturing something with the right water, light and care, and watching it grow into something beautiful, is a proven stress-buster. #20. Rest With so many of us now working from home and juggling a host of other priorities, it’s easy to feel like we’re ‘always on’. Making the time to switch off and rest when you need to, without feeling guilty, has never been more important. #21. Dance As well as increasing your aerobic fitness and even helping you shed a few pounds, a little boogie is great for your body. But it’s also good for your mind; studies have shown that dancing has a positive effect on our quality of life, body image and mood, as well as reducing depression. We hope you’ve found this article useful, and whatever you decide to try, here’s to living your best life in 2021 and beyond! The Heart-Hemp Team