How we think and feel can affect our emotional, mental and physical health. Learning to manage our anger, change our outlook on life or address psychological issues can help keep our mind active and healthy.
Connect with others
Put time and effort into building relationships with people around you — at work, at home, in the neighbourhood. Having strong relationships will support and enrich your life. Embrace people.
Do what you enjoy
Take time out to do something that you enjoy. Take a walk in the park, do a crossword, get stuck into that hobby, play with pets, get creative, go for a swim, read a book… Make room for enjoyment every day.
Share your interests
Find like-minded people. Join a club, class or group so you can mix with people with similar interests. A sense of belonging does wonders for wellbeing.
Help out
Volunteer for a cause or issue that you care about. Help out a neighbour, work in a community garden or do something nice for a friend (or stranger). When you help others, it makes you feel good too.
Take care of yourself
A healthy body is linked to a healthy mind: if your body feels good, you will too. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole foods, and avoid processed food. Find ways to be active every day, whether that’s walking, gardening, vacuuming or even dancing.
Challenge yourself
Learning improves your mental fitness. So set goals and challenge yourself. Learn a new skill, enrol in a course, commit to a fitness goal, take up a musical instrument or cook a new recipe. It all counts.
Manage stress
Stress is a part of life and can help us meet challenges. But if it becomes overwhelming it can lead to serious mental and physical health problems. Learn how to identify and manage your stress levels: proven ways to destress and wind down include yoga, physical activity and meditation.
Rest and refresh
It’s totally OK to do nothing! In fact you should plan for it. Get your daydreaming on. And make sure you get plenty of sleep to restore both your body and mind.
Live in the present
Our default mode is to think and worry about the past and future. Try to spend more time in the present — smell the roses, feel the sun, listen to the wind, feel the grass under your bare feet. Check out mindfulness. It really works.
Ask for help
It’s true, the perfect, worry-free life doesn’t exist. Everyone’s life journey is different, and sometimes we need help to overcome the really bumpy bits. It’s OK to ask for help: speak to your doctor, a friend, a family member or call a help line.