It’s been an emotional rollercoaster these last few years. Rates of depression and anxiety have risen. Stress levels are at an all-time high. Been feeling the pressure? Follow these simple, proven tips for boosting your wellbeing.
- Stay active
Regular movement is good for your mind and body. Choose activities you enjoy and design an exercise routine just for you. Maybe you could mix it up and go walking on Mondays, practice Tai Chi on Tuesdays, and follow a YouTube workout on Thursdays.
- Eat healthy
Eat lots of different fruits and vegetables and other foods high in fibre such as brown rice, oats, wholemeal breads, lentils and beans. Limit unhealthy snacks and drinks which are high in sugar, unhealthy fats and salt. Unhealthy snacks leave less space for the healthy foods you need to boost your mood, energy levels, digestion, and sleep.
- Stay connected
Social connection is important for our mental health. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or online. Share your feelings with loved ones and trusted people from your community.
- Take a break from the news and social media
Social media can help you stay connected, but too much scrolling can be stressful and addictive. Carefully curate your feeds. Choose accounts that make you laugh or inspire you. Delete any that make you feel worse about yourself. Monitor your screen time and draw boundaries. For example, plan to check messages after you’ve exercised (rather than before) and limit scrolling to 15-minute bursts.
- Stick to a routine
Have a regular bedtime and meal times. Plan your day so you have time for household chores, connecting with others, activities you enjoy, and rest.
- Monitor your mental health
Take stock of your moods. Are you often worried or stressed, and is it affecting your everyday life? Things to look out for include difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and feeling distressed or overwhelmed. These are signs that it’s time to reach out.
- Seek support
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you are feeling stressed or anxious. Talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling. You’re not being a burden.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can reach out to someone.
If you’re looking to connect with your local community or join an exercise class, call South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) on (02) 7903 0607 or visit bit.ly/SECCprograms to book in a free session.
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online.
MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
