DET News
Tips for a Healthy Headspace
Hi, my name is Penny, and I am a Health Promotion Nurse from the Department of Education under the Secondary School Nursing Program. I’m at Highvale SC alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays, and I work closely with the Student Wellbeing Team.
Good mental health allows young people to work and study to the full potential, cope with day-to-day life stresses, feel connected to others, and ‘bounce back’ when things go wrong. Just like physical health, good mental health takes regular effort. Here are some practical tips and strategies for a healthier headspace:
Eat well: A good balanced diet with more of the good things (e.g. vegetable, fruit, whole grains, and plenty of water) will help to keep your brain sharp.
Sleep well: A good night’s sleep is really important. Set up regular sleep routines, such as waking up around the same time every day, getting out of bed after waking up, and going to bed around the same time each night. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night and try to avoid screens for an hour before bedtime.
Stay active: Regular exercise gives you more energy and helps to keep stress in check. Going for a walk with your family or friends can also provide a great opportunity to talk.
Take care of your time: Make the most of your time by staying organised and finding a good balance between the things you have to do and those things you want to do. You can: use your planner, prioritise your tasks, set realistic goals, keep your study space clear and free of distractions, and set boundaries with your time.
Connect: Regularly spending time with friends and family (including pets) and people in the community can strengthen your mental health and wellbeing. Reaching out first, asking people how they’re doing, making plans to hang out or having a study group are just some ways to boost your social life
Seek help: If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, reach out to a trusted friend or family member or a mental health professional, such as one of the Wellbeing Team, your general practitioner (GP), or visit Headspace https://headspace.org.au/ or KidsHelpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/
It’s ok to ask for help – you don’t have to do it alone.
The above information has been sourced from https://au.reachout.com/
Penny Hsiao
Health Promotion Nurse