1) Make sure you get enough natural sunlight

The benefits of natural sunlight include triggering the release of serotonin in your brain, increased vitamin D levels, and general improved mood. What are some ways we can get more (especially when in school or in quarantine)?

1. Take your lunch/snack break outdoors

2. Open windows in the room your in if you can.

3. Read in well lit rooms. It doesn’t have to all open windows, but opt for open spaces rather than your closed room.

Read the science behind it:

• Natural Light and Student Productivity

• Benefits of Sunlight

2) Keep a balance of indoor and outdoor time

So far, Decompress has discussed multiple times the mental health benefits of the outdoors. But how to actually incorporate into our schedules?

1. Do your reading assignments outside. Or, try one hour outside study, one hour inside study.

2. Set aside ten minutes in the morning to sit outdoors on weekends.

3. Set a daily reminder on your phone for a walk or bike ride.

Read the science behind it:

• Exploring the mental health benefits of the environment

• Analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes

3) Give your eyes a rest

1. 1 hour, 5 minute rule: For every one hour on a screen, take a five minute stretch break.

2. Set a daily reminder for a one hour slot in your day that is a non screen activity

   1. Decompress has a ton of suggestions for non screen activities. Choose one and stick to it, or rotate them through the week!

      1. gardening

      2. reading suggestions

         1. what should i read next?

      3. walking

      4. biking

      5. running

      6. music suggestions