It is pretty well-known that exercise can help with depression, anxiety and even stress. Studies have shown that exercises which are more aerobic are the best ones to improve your mood. Taking part in outdoor activities such as biking or hiking is even more effective, because being outdoors can also help your mental health.
Taking part in physical activity outside has actually been proven to decrease the hormones associated with stress, decrease your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. Taking hikes and walking in natural environments is shown to be better than doing so in more urban settings. If you have a lingering bout of depression, try to kick it out by spending a couple of nights camping in nature.
Usually when you are feeling down, the last thing you want to do is be around other people. However, studies have shown that it is actually one of the best things that you can do for your mental health. Spending time with other people in a low-stress environment can actually lower your cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes stress in the first place. Maybe consider taking a friend with you when you go venture outside for that bike ride or walk. If you are still feeling stress and anxiety even after exercising and spending time outside, you may want to think about getting professional help. At times, the only way to get back to normalcy is seeing a medical professional, and that is okay.