Student Wellbeing

 Tips for a Healthy Headspace

https://headspace.org.au/friends-and-family/tips-for-a-healthy-headspace-for-family-and-friends/

Good mental health allows young people to deal with the changes and challenges life throws at them and live their lives in a positive and meaningful way. It includes things like being able to work and study, deal with day-to-day life stress, feel connected to others, be involved in activities in the community and ‘bounce back’ when things go wrong.

Just like physical fitness, mental fitness takes regular effort. There are lots of things that family and friends can do to support a young person to look after their mental health. Here are some things you can encourage your young person to do to build their mental fitness every day.

One of the most effective ways to support young people to look after their mental health is to model healthy habits yourself, so it’s a good idea for you to practise some of these tips as well.

 Get enough sleep

Sleep is really important for young people and their mental health. You can help them by encouraging regular sleep routines and gently helping them get up in the morning. Encourage them to switch off or reduce the time they spend on their phone or devices a few hours before bedtime. You can also help them to make their bedroom cool, quiet and dark during the night.

Eat well

Eating well can improve your young person’s mood, energy levels and general health and wellbeing. Cooking nutritious meals and encouraging your young person to fill up on good food (like veggies, fruit and whole grains) and drink plenty of water is good for their physical and mental development. This also teaches them set up healthy habits for their future.

Stay active

Regular exercise can help your young person to sleep better, improve their ability to cope and boost their mood. Regular physical activity is also related to better wellbeing, which can lower depression and anxiety levels. Going for a walk with your young person can help increase their activity level and provides a great opportunity to talk. Supporting them to find a sport that they enjoy and encouraging active interests in your young person are also great ways to facilitate exercise. 

Connect

Spending time with friends and family (including pets) and people in the community is an essential part of being human, and can really strengthen your young person’s mental health and wellbeing. Regularly spend time connecting with your young person by setting up an activity that you both enjoy – like a regular walk, a hot drink together after dinner or a drive. Ask questions and listen without judgement to your young person. You can also encourage and support meaningful and healthy friendships. Listen to their concerns about relationships and encourage opportunities for them to make new friends in the community.

Sarah Abbott

Acting Assistant Principal, Student Wellbeing