The Well Being
- Kathryn Fortuna
- Apr 21, 2024
- 2 min read
What Is a Well Being?
Are you a Well Being? Mental health is a state of emotional and social wellbeing. 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year (ABS, 2007) and many more of us experience intense emotional and psychological symptoms when life becomes stressful.
Why do we need to look after our mental health?
Out mental health has an effect on how we handle life’s stressors, challenges and influences one’s capacity to reach their potential (Australian Health Ministers, 2003).
What are some practical ways in which you can look after your mental health?
Stay Connected
Maintaining or building a connection within yourself is key. Building a realtionhsip with your own health and body supports us to stay connected. Also staying with friends and family can help us feel supported and a part of a community.
Observe Good Nutrition
Fuelling your body with healthy foods, and feeding yourself with the right nutrients will serve both your body and your mind as well. Alcohol consumption can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drinking is not a productive way to manage negative feelings.
Get Active
Being active and engaging in exercise releases chemicals in your brain and body that make you feel good. It can also boost your self-esteem, improve concentration and improve sleep. Exercise doesn’t just include sporting or going to the gym, but can be simple tasks such as gardening, housework and walks in the park. Keep it simple and consistent.
Connection
Mindfulness is the process in which we support our minds and bodies to be aligned and to be present. Mindfulness does not eliminate stress altogether, but by becoming aware of unpleasant thoughts that arise because of challenging situations, we develop the skills to better handle them in the moment.
Care for others
Extending care and kindness to others is a way of strengthening and maintaining important connections. It can often feel uplifting when we extend ourselves to others, eliminating loneliness and developing relationships.
To be able to care for others we must first care for ourselves. How do you care for YOU?
Do something that makes your heart sing
Have you heard the saying “Idle hands make fretful minds”? Hobbies or activities can help us realise a sense of achievement and provide a sense of grounding. If you can’t think of anything you like doing, try something new! Drawing, painting, gardening, cooking, woodwork… the possibilities are endless. Be in purpose and enjoy staying connected.
A Well Being is someone that takes their mental and physical health seriously. Caring for themselves supports them to care for the people around them. It all begins with a willingness to reflect and respond.
Ask for support
Be curious about your feelings. If you feel consistently overwhelmed and unable to cope, seeking help is very important. It can be as simple as making an appointment with your local GP or counsellor. Your GP will be able to guide you through your options inclusive of subsidised counselling through a mental health care plan.
For further support contact The Anna Centre.
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