Mental Health Tips for Difficult Times | Karestan Koenen

Why It Matters

Implementing these low‑cost, evidence‑based practices can reduce burnout and boost mental‑health outcomes across workplaces and communities.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize physical health to support brain function during stress
• Take daily walks or observe nature, even in urban settings
• Improve nutrition; balanced diet boosts mental resilience
• Foster in‑person social connections for hormonal and emotional benefits
• Limit phone use; practice mindful moments outdoors

Summary

Karestan Koenen outlines practical mental‑health strategies for navigating stressful periods, emphasizing that physical well‑being underpins emotional stability. She argues that the brain’s health is inseparable from the body’s condition, making simple self‑care actions essential.

The core recommendations include regular walks, mindful observation of natural elements—even city birds or sky—improved nutrition, and deliberate reduction of screen time. Koenen stresses that in‑person social interaction triggers hormonal responses that virtual contact cannot fully replicate, highlighting the therapeutic value of touch and face‑to‑face conversation.

She illustrates these points with personal anecdotes, such as pausing to listen to birds without a phone, and cites scientific consensus that social connection accelerates trauma recovery. The talk underscores the biological reciprocity of human contact, linking it to measurable mental‑health benefits.

For individuals and organizations, these insights suggest that integrating brief outdoor breaks, nutritious meals, and genuine interpersonal engagement into daily routines can mitigate stress, enhance resilience, and improve overall productivity.

Original Description

How can we support our own mental health during difficult times?

Karestan Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology and director of the Population Mental Health Lab, recommends that we start by taking care of our bodies. Going for walks and spending time with nature can be restorative. She also recommends connecting with other people in person.