When stress hits or your mood dips, what’s in your mental health toolkit?

We all know the foundational habits—like sleep, movement, and nourishing food—are essential for well-being. But sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected actions that help the most in the moment. These simple strategies can calm your nervous system, shift your mindset, and give you a sense of control when things feel off.

Here are a few unexpected, science-backed Microsteps that can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Give one of these unexpected strategies a try:

Rewatch a nostalgic movie.
Nostalgic movies or TV shows can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, especially if you’re feeling down or stressed. Nostalgia has been shown to improve psychological health and well-being ,improving mood and increasing feelings of social connectedness.

Chew on a piece of gum.
Studies have shown that chewing gum can reduce cortisol, which can help with stress relief and anxiety, and can also help combat negative moods.

Sniff a lemon.
The scent of citrus — particularly lemon — has been shown to reduce stress and boost mood. Studies have even found that it can improve alertness by enhancing activity in the thalamus and regions of the brain.

Take a cool shower.
Taking a shower, especially with cool water, can help lower stress by activating the body's parasympathetic nervous system. Showers have also been shown to spark creativity, which may help explain why you get some of your best ideas in the shower.

Doodle in your notebook.
Activities like doodling –– which don’t require much cognitive effort –– can allow your mind to wander freely and help your brain process information more efficiently. It’s also been shown to reduce stress and give your brain a break.

Listen to a song you love.
Music has a powerful effect on our well-being. It helps lower stress and allows us to tap into positive emotions that we associate with certain songs. 

Give yourself a hand massage.
Massaging your hands for a few minutes can help reduce stress and tension, and has even been shown to help with anxiety.

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