Engaging in fun and healthy activities with family and friends can provide stress relief and boost your mental wellness too!
Want to relieve stress and lead a healthy life? Head to an art gallery, go shopping or belt out tunes on karaoke night. Grab some friends and try out these surprising activities that are both healthy and good for groups.
Call your close friends for a night out in the town, or nerd out with them over board games. Studies have shown that spending quality time with friends boosts the immune system, reduces levels of stress and speeds recovery1. Having a strong support network and social ties might even help you live longer2.
Boost motivation with friendly competition! Compete with family and friends to see who walks the most per week - winner gets a treat.
Shopping is a good way to sneak in some exercise: a UK study found that women take an average of 7,300 steps per shopping trip3. Hit the malls for a window-shopping spree and you're well on your way to clock the recommended 10,000 steps per day.
Pamper yourself with a massage or mini-pedicure to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Volunteering is good for your mind and body. A Singapore study found that volunteers were more likely to report being happy and satisfied with their lives than non-givers4. Other studies have also linked volunteering with greater longevity and lower risk of heart disease5. Not sure where to start? Check out giving.sg for some ideas.
Enjoy singing karaoke? You'll sing for joy to learn that singing brings you various health benefits6 - the aerobic activity works out muscles in your upper body, is good for your heart and reduces stress. Group singing also fosters social bonding7.
Tap into your artsy side to de-stress. How Does Art Relieve Stress? A visit to the art gallery might help reduce levels of cortisol, commonly known as stress hormone8. To build up stress resistance, pick up a brush and paint a piece or two - a study showed that creating visual art can improve psychological resilience9.
Visit MindSG for more tools to take care of your mental well-being.
Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.
Read these next:
This article was last reviewed on 15 Nov 2022
Related Articles
Related Stories
Physical activity is important to health. Get started with HPB's physical activity programmes and get more from life today!
Subsidised health screening for Singapore Citizens.
Wouldn’t it be great if healthy living were as easy and enjoyable as shopping? Now, that’s possible at Health Promoting Malls. Have fun with mall workouts, enjoy healthier meals, and learn how to stay smoke-free – all at your convenience!
Browse Live Healthy