Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.
Taking a break
Taking a break is an important part of self care. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or flat, consider taking a break.There are many ways to take a break. A handy resource has been supplied at the bottom, consider putting it up in your workspace for ideas!
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Research has shown there are 5 simple things anyone can do to help improve their wellbeing
- Connect - Connecting with people around you and building relationships will support and strengthen you!
- Be Active - Exercise helps you feel good and helps clear your mind!
- Keep Learning - Try something new or rediscover a past interest!
- Be Aware - Being in the 'here and now' can help you feel calm and reduce stress!
- Help Others - Do something kind for a friend or stranger, helping others can give you a sense of purpose and belonging!
You can find more information on the fact sheet attached below, translations of the fact sheet into other languages are available here 5 Ways to Wellbeing Translations
The New Economics Foundation
A report presented by The New Economics Foundation on the 5 ways to Wellbeing is available here: https://neweconomics.org/uploads/files/five-ways-to-wellbeing-1.pdf
The New Economics Foundation is a British think-tank that promotes "social, economic and environmental justice" - based on its success with the National Health Service in the UK, Australian Primary Health Networks are now using it in the work they do
A copy of the My 5 Ways to Wellbeing Plan has been provided at the bottom to help you determine your own 5 Ways to Wellbeing Plan.
Mental Health First Aid Australia
MHFA Australia has provided a Self Care Plan and an accompanying workbook to help develop your own self care plan. Both are available for download below.
Positive Psychology Interventions
Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) focus on using positive emotions and strengths to achieve or boost wellbeing. Numerous research projects have shown that concentration on positive characters and strengths are linked to health benefits and the wellbeing of people in various domains of life (Kobau, et al., 2011).
More information on PPI's including the different kinds of PPI's is available below.
Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs)
https://positivepsychology.com/positive-psychology-interventions/#interventions
Exercise
VIC Health The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking
Black Dog Exercise Your Mood for Depression Fact sheet (Attached Below)
And remember to “move your mood” – e.g. Lizzie Williamson’s Two Minute Moves - a fun, entertaining way to improve your mental health and combat digital fatigue.
Watch Lizzie Williamson’s TED talk:
Subscribe to Lizzie Williamson’s YouTube channel, TwoMinuteMoves
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