Wellbeing

Keeping a healthy headspace

Good mental health is a state of wellbeing where you feel able to work and study, feel connected to others, be involved in activities in your community and ‘bounce back’ when life’s changes and challenges come along.

Learn new ways to handle tough times

Taking time to think about how you’re handling tough times is really important. Sometimes the things we do naturally can help, and other times they don’t.

Build your options for handling tough times

They’ll come in handy now and into the future. Here are some options to consider:

• use art, music or journaling to express yourself

• spend time in nature

• set some small goals, and get help seeing them through

• talk kindly to yourself

• websites and free apps that can help

Get in to life

Keep doing the stuff you love to do and the things that are important to you. It can help keep the fun in your life, give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boost your confidence and help to connect with others.

Some of these things, such as skating, reading or playing the guitar, might just be for fun, but other things like work or study can give you new skills and might help to give you meaning.

Connect

Spending time with family, friends (including pets) and people in your community can help strengthen your mental health and wellbeing. You can try things like:

• volunteer work

• hobbies

• clubs or committees

• sports

• Finding a safe online community can also help you feel connected and meet new people.

Stay active

Staying active can help you to sleep better, manage stress and boost your mood. Make time to take a break from study or work or hanging out, whether it be going to the gym, kicking a ball around with a mate or just going for a walk. Whatever it is, start small, and make sure it’s something you enjoy.

Get enough sleep

Sleeping well is good for your brain and body, and helps you feel energised, stay focused and protect your mental health.

Eat well

Eating well can improve your mood, energy levels and general health and wellbeing. Fill up on nutritious food (like veggies, fruit and whole grains) and drink plenty of water to give your body and brain all the power it needs to function well.

How can I get help?

If you feel like support from family and friends isn’t enough, seek professional help. You can go to the school’s Student Wellbeing Centre, your General Practitioner (GP), make an appointment to chat to someone at headspace or eheadspace for online and phone support. 

Remember, keeping a good mental health involves building your mental fitness, so you can stay on top of things and get the most out of each day.