feel good factor
We’ve all heard the statistics around LGBTQI+ mental health – we’re one and a half times more likely to develop depression and anxiety compared to the rest of the population, and experience more suicidal thoughts and self-harm than cis heterosexual women. There’s no quick fix, but there are ways we can tweak our routines, train our minds and reframe our perspective to support our wellbeing and help us feel good, believes Ellen Tout. Here’s 10 to try.
1 Be kind
It might seem obvious that being kind makes us feel good, but there’s more to it. Scientists found that stress and kindness are opposites – as one goes up the other goes down. Simply put, acts of kindness create a buffer against stress and boost our wellbeing. This is because kindness sparks the release of oxytocin – a hormone that helps us to feel good and is also released when we share a hug or kiss. As well as making us feel happy, this hormone is cardioprotective, meaning being kind is also good for your heart.