As non-profits gear up for World Mental Health Day on October 10, now is the perfect time to consider how you can best take care of our own mental health. We all have our ups and down when it comes to our mental health, and this is often impacted by what’s going on in our lives and the world around us.
So how has your mental health been lately? Are you sailing along contentedly, or do you feel the weight of a thousand different expectations on your shoulders? Maybe you’re doing well for the most part, but you’ve sensed a shift in your mood since politics has taken over your social media? Or perhaps you feel isolated and lonely, and asking for help seems like a big step.
Wherever your mental health is at, this World Mental Health Day is your invitation to take stock of your wellbeing and have permission to care for it. This coming week, Australian charity Headspace is asking their supporters to answer the question: What puts you in a good headspace?
We’d love you to answer the same question. If you’re not sure, think about what makes you happy. When was the last time you felt most alive? And what helps you to relax and feel positive? You can find out more about Headspace’s Headspace Daycampaign and fill out your own placard for social media here.
If you’re struggling to get started, here are 40 ways you can put yourself in a good headspace and care for your mental health.
- Read a good book or watch a feel-good movie
- Journal or colour in
- Join a team sport
- Go for a walk outside
- Run or workout
- Treat yourself to a delicious snack
- Make a healthy (and yummy!) smoothie or juice
- Go out for coffee
- Take a ten minute break
- Deactivate your social media
- Catch up with a friend
- Go to the beach
- Go hiking
- Turn off your phone
- Try to bake something new
- Try a new, healthy food
- Go on a day trip
- See a counsellor
- Call a helpline or email them online
- Write a letter to someone and never send it
- Try a new hobby
- Make a new friend
- Go to a wildlife park
- Ask someone to help you out
- Take deep breaths
- Meditate
- Learn something new
- Listen to music
- Pat an animal
- Book a holiday
- Take a nap
- Go to bed early
- Cut back on alcohol and drugs
- Learn about something new
- Listen to a podcast
- Read blogs online
- Watch funny videos
- Practice Mindfulness