Thanks to rising cost of living, many Canberrans may find themselves turning to at-home methods of self-care to de-stress and look after their wellbeing. 

A recent study by The Knowledge Academy revealed which wellbeing-centred YouTube tutorials see the highest search volumes every month. University of Canberra’s Dr Vivienne Lewis, Clinical Psychologist, explained why the highest-ranking methods work and may be worth a try.

Guided Meditation – 175,000 monthly searches

“The whole point of meditation is to calm your body systems right down,” says Dr Lewis. “Mentally, yes, but physiologically as well. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it works straight away.” She says the main struggle people face when seeking to meditate is not knowing how to get into the zone. Hence why a quick search for a guided meditation tutorial can help when you need to centre yourself right before a Zoom meeting or taking an exam.

Yoga for Beginners – 106,000 monthly searches

Originating from India as a tradition to focus the mind, body, and soul, approximately 300 million people worldwide regularly practice yoga. “It’s not surprising that yoga’s up there,” says Dr Lewis. “Not only are you moving your body, but you’re also doing so in a way that involves a lot of stretching and slow movement; this helps people get in touch with their bodies. Also, when you’re focusing on an activity like yoga, it helps distract you from the thoughts hanging around in your mind, which calms us right down. In short, yoga’s just really good for you!”

Stretching Exercises – 70,000 monthly searches

Stretching helps stabilise our mood and reduce stress by increasing blood circulation and relieving muscle tension. As Dr Lewis says, “Similar benefits to yoga, with the difference between the two being that stretching isn’t as centring for the mind. However, moving your body in any way certainly helps it feel better and relax.”

Positive Affirmations – 42,000 monthly searches

Numerous studies have proven that challenging negative thoughts by practising positive phrases does help us cope better. The main challenge with positive affirmations is finding ones that work for you – and don’t feel too silly – which is where browsing YouTube for suggestions can come in handy. “When you’re stressed or worried, you’re full of negative thoughts about yourself and the world around you,” says Dr Lewis. “Thinking about what you’re grateful for, and what’s important in your life can help change that mindset, particularly if you’re in the depths of being harsh on yourself.”

Morning Routine – 28,000 monthly searches

“Having a morning routine means getting up at the same time, having a nutritious breakfast, and getting in a bit of exercise to start the day. Most people function at their optimum when they have a routine – particularly one that involves waking up at a consistent time and nourishing the body. It kickstarts the day and helps us feel productive – which we like.”

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