Free your creativity

‘Regulated arts therapies are being recognised as an effective treatment for mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, as well as more severe mental health problems,’ says Stephen Buckley from mental health charity Mind. This is because doing something creative is proven to be great for stress relief, says Irene Ruby, founder of makingsandmusings.com. ‘It stimulates the brain to produce oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, after just 20 minutes.’ Creating something also gives you a sense of pride, which boosts positivity. Give one of these a go.

PAINT A PICTURE Creating artwork, such as a drawing or collage – whatever your skill level may be – reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, found a study by America’s Drexel University.

COLOURING

Already tried the adult colouring craze? It’s been big news for a while – and for good reason. Daily colouring can help with depression symptoms and anxiety after just one week, found research **** .

WRITE A STORY

‘Writing things down helps us to identify and clarify what we’re thinking and feeling,’ says writing-forwellness practitioner Jo Bisseker Bar. ‘It has an amazing way of getting at what sits just under the surface.’