Five (practical) things to do for your mental health before the end of the year
It’s been a big, stressful year for many but before the new one kicks off, try these ideas for getting into a good headspace. They all come with side benefits.
We’re fortunate to live in an era where there’s a lot of advice available on ways to improve mental health without the help of various non-medicated stimulants. However, at this time of year, support can be thin on the ground – and bank balances even thinner.
So whether you’re ending the year on a high or you’re feeling a bit flat as the days tick down to the new year, here are five practical ideas for getting into the right headspace for 2026.
A clean house has been linked to better focus and lower stress levels.Credit: iStock
Clean the house
If you have hosted Christmas, you might have already done a thorough clean of the public-facing parts of the house but if you have a few days to spare, try to find some time to get to those cleaning tasks that are rarely seen to. So, dust behind the bed, tackle the grime inside the bathroom vanity or even clean out the grit that has accumulated in the cutlery or utensil drawer.
A range of studies has shown that a lack of cleanliness can affect everything from mood to sleep quality and the ability to focus. Cleaning your home can create a greater sense of order and control, not just over your living spaces, but over your life as well. One study published a decade ago even suggested that tasks such as washing the dishes can serve as a form of mindfulness. Others have linked householders with clean houses to better fitness levels because they are more active.
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There is a plethora of ways to approach the task but with the clock ticking down to the new year, try setting aside time in a few blocks of 30 or 60 minutes, turning up the tunes and getting stuck in. Make sure you have the right equipment before you start to get the maximum benefit (and minimum frustration).
In the end, what is the worst that can happen? A clean house? Quelle horreur!
Declutter
Want to unburden yourself as the new year rolls around? Shedding things you no longer need (or perhaps have never needed) has been linked to lower stress and anxiety levels, as well as better focus. Sometimes described as “visual noise”, , as well as lead to higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
