Wellbeing News – 5 December 2019

5 tips to make the most of the holidays for your wellbeing

While the benefits of holidays are usual widely appreciated, it is good to stop and remember the great impact that this time can have on our mental health. Holidays have amazing potential re-charge us and to boost our wellbeing. The following 5 tips can help us to maximise the impact of our break.

Stay active

Physical activity has many positive effects on health and wellbeing both in the short and long term. This effect is good not only for physical health, but also for mental health. Holidays are a great time to relax and unwind, but regular activity is an equally good boost for our wellbeing. 

Maintain some routine

Sleeps-ins are a teen favourite for the holiday period. As we move into Christmas and new year, our routine can become somewhat ad hoc. Where possible, maintaining some routine, particularly around sleep, exercise and food, can help us to stay emotionally regulated and to have more time to enjoy the things in life that we love to do.

Learn something new

School holidays for many are a break from learning, but people with a passion for learning take every opportunity to try something new and reap the benefits of this for their mental health. It may be a new hobby or a new skill within a hobby you love. If it brings you joy or a sense of achievement to learn it, then it is a great boost for your wellbeing.

Connect

The time to connect in person and online is more available to us during breaks. It is good to remember to make time for the people who we enjoy being with, while also knowing that our online communications have the opportunity to help us to connect when used in healthy ways.

Disconnect

As much as we need to connect, we also need to disconnect. Time to reflect, think, and clear our mind from the daily priorities that usually accompany us gives us a great opportunity for personal growth and development. In particular, disconnecting from the busy-ness of life and thinking about the things we are grateful for in our lives, and the memories that bring us joy are powerful tools for wellbeing.

Online supports for students moving to university and TAFE settings

thedesk is a free online program aimed at providing Australian tertiary students with strategies and skills for success and wellbeing during their time at university or TAFE.

What’s in thedesk?

• Modules to develop problem-solving and self-management skills. Topics include getting things done, staying calm, staying connected and feeling good.
• Tools to help with everyday issues such as relaxation, challenging unhelpful thoughts, using feedback constructively and problem solving.
• Quizzes about different areas of life such as relationships, physical health and mental wellbeing.
• An online Coffee House for students to connect with other students, share experiences, music, art, recipes and more!
• Links to information and support services to help deal with a range of common issues.

Information taken from:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/healthy-places 

Mental health supports in the community  

During the breaks, we can sometime be a little disconnected from our usual routine of professional support people. At these times, there are always professional supports available within the broader community and it is helpful to be aware of these should there be a time when their help may be beneficial.

For counselling support outside of school hours, you can contact the following services:    

Phone:

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Headspace

1800 650 890

Youth Beyond Blue

1300 224 686      

Webchat:

Kids Helpline Chat

(10am-10pm)

www.kidshelp.com.au

eHeadspace Chat

(9am-1am)

www.eheadspace.org.au

Youth Beyond Blue Chat

(3pm-12am)

www.youthbeyondblue.com