To Learn

Keeping your mind engaged with new ideas and experiences is an important part of your mental wellbeing.  You can do this by learning a new skill, listening to a podcast or doing a crossword.  These activities will improve your ability to process information and make good decisions.

 

To Connect

Social interaction supports our mental wellbeing.  It is important for human beings to connect to people, places and culture.  You can make meaningful connections with people by spending time with family and friends, having morning tea with your colleagues, or joining a club.  Building stronger relationships and connections to your community will also strengthen your social networks for the times you might need extra support.

In addition, interacting with and being kind to others (doing a good deed or volunteering or helping a neighbour) can significantly improve your mood and happiness levels.  Performing an act of kindness can release the chemical oxytocin which stimulates the area of your brain associated with social connection and trust.

 

To Breathe

Daily life can be busy and stressful but just taking a moment to take a deep breath and focus on the present can help reduce feelings of stress and pressure.  This is called mindfulness and research has demonstrated that it can have a strong positive effect on your mental wellbeing. By directing your attention to what is happening in the present, you’re less likely to spend time worrying about things that happened in the past or that might happen in the future.