(c) HADI ZAHER/Getty Images

Not getting enough green time

City living can carry a bunch of perks—delicious food, convenient public transportation, exciting nightlife—but spending too much time in urban areas can put a damper on your mood. According to a 2011 study by the Central Institute of Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg, living in a big city is linked to higher levels of stress and mental illness, especially depression. For city dwellers trying to avoid these effects, try taking quick trips to parks or rural areas to surround yourself with nature and take a break from the city hype. If getting out of the city every once and a while isn’t feasible, something as simple as walking outdoors in fresh air and sunlight for a coffee break can be very helpful for your mood. Dr. Heitler also suggests keeping a few potted plants in your living space to lighten the mood indoors, too. “There is a kind of positive energy that plants and natural things do give off,” she says. Here are some simple ways to relieve stress.