Mental Health Month is a reminder that looking after our mental health does not always have to mean making a big change.
Often, it is the small, everyday things we do consistently that can help us feel more connected, more balanced and better able to cope when life gets difficult.
headspace Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton say good mental health and wellbeing helps us live in positive and meaningful ways, stay connected to others, participate in work, study and activities, and bounce back when times are tough.
There are simple things we can all do to support our wellbeing.
Stay connected
Spending time with people who matter to us can help us feel supported and less alone.
headspace encourages people to put time into their relationships, whether that means catching up with a friend, checking in with family or simply making space for a conversation. Strong connections can help boost our energy and sense of belonging.
Keep moving
Physical activity can support both our physical and mental health.
According to headspace, staying active can help improve sleep, increase energy and make stress easier to manage. That does not have to mean an intense workout — walking, playing sport, gardening or doing something active you enjoy can all count.
Make time for things you enjoy
When life becomes busy or stressful, enjoyable activities can be some of the first things to disappear from our routine.
headspace recommends continuing to do things that give us a sense of enjoyment or achievement. Even completing a small task or making time for an activity we value can help build confidence and improve how we feel.
Prioritise sleep
Sleep plays an important role in how we think, feel and function.
Getting enough good-quality sleep can improve energy and concentration, according to headspace. Maintaining a regular routine and giving ourselves time to wind down can be useful ways to support healthier sleep.
Eat well
What we eat can also affect how we feel.
headspace notes that eating well can help improve energy, sleep and concentration. Rather than striving for perfection, the focus can simply be on regular, nourishing meals and habits that help our bodies and minds function well.
Learn what helps when things are tough
Difficult periods are part of life, but we can build skills that help us navigate them.
headspace recommends learning ways to handle tough times, including developing self-awareness, resilience and confidence. Taking time to pause, reflect and recognise what helps us personally can make it easier to respond when stress builds.
Cut back on alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and other drugs can affect mood, energy and motivation.
Reducing use can help clear the mind, improve energy and support motivation, according to headspace.
Start small
There is no single formula for good mental health, and not every strategy will work for every person.
Mental Health Month can be a chance to think about one small thing that might help — going for a walk, getting an earlier night, calling someone you trust, doing something you enjoy or simply checking in with yourself.
The important thing is finding what works for you and remembering that support is available if things are feeling difficult.
If you need support, reach out to headspace Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton via the links below or on (03) 5561 8888.
For more tips and resources, visit headspace’s Tips for a healthy headspace page.