What are the five-a-day for your mind?
At Mindapples, we encourage people to notice what helps them feel good, manage pressure and stay balanced.
For over a decade we’ve been asking people the question, “What are five things you do each day for your mind?” We’ve gathered thousands of answers over the years and notice that it’s often the simplest of things. A cup of tea or taking a walk at lunchtime. Listening to music that makes you feel something or catching up with a friend.
Although these habits seem simple, they’re more impactful than we might think. Research tells us:
• Enjoyable, everyday activities like these are linked to better psychological and physical wellbeing.
• Spending time in nature, listening to music, and connecting with others have all been shown to lower stress and improve focus.
• Regular mental routines like the ones you build into daily life can support lasting improvements in wellbeing and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
We believe that you are the expert in your own mind. What’s important is finding what works for you and making time for it in ways that feel manageable and enjoyable. By choosing the things that we genuinely enjoy, the benefits are stronger and more sustainable.
While we don’t need a dedicated day to take care of our minds, they can act as a helpful reminder to check-in with ourselves and reflect on what’s working, or perhaps what we want to do more of. The important part is finding simple and practical ways to look after our minds all year round.
So, whether it’s today, on International Self-Care Day (24 July), or any other day of the year, try to give your mind a moment of care. When we find something that works and we make space for it, we help to shape a culture where taking care of our minds is something everyone can value and share.
