Going for a run might be just the stress-buster you need over the festive period. While all forms of exercise can improve mood and stress levels, a recent study showed that running and mountain biking in landscapes without buildings had the most positive impact on mental health. Getting outdoors regularly in winter will also help shut off your melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep), so you’ll feel less groggy. So get your trainers (and layers) on and brave the cold – you’ll thank us later.
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Niamh Leonard-Bedwell, lifestyle writer ‘Is home-baking the ultimate act of self-care? Whether it’s down to the effects of GBBO or Christmas, I’ve rediscovered my love for spending time in the kitchen. My skills might not be up to creating a multi-layered Viennese sponge, or elaborate loaves, but a round of chocolate chip cookies or a tray of gooey brownies provide sense of achievement enough, and it’s much more satisfying tucking into homemade treats than biscuits from the packet. I just have to make sure I have guests coming, so I don’t scoff the lot – which means I also get the wellbeing benefits of socialising with people I care about. This Christmas, I’m setting my sights on building a gingerbread house.’