Self Care

Modified on Wed, 27 Nov at 5:15 PM

Overview

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 5 Ways to Wellbeing Factsheet and translations of the fact sheet into other languages are available here 5 Ways to Wellbeing Translated Factsheet.

The New Economics Foundation

A report presented by The New Economics Foundation on the 5 ways to Wellbeing is available here: New Economics 5 Ways to Wellbeing Report.

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.

The My 5 Ways to Wellbeing Plan is available to help you determine your own plan.

Mental Health First Aid Australia

MHFA Australia has published a Self Care Plan and an accompanying Self Care Workbook to help develop your own self care plan.

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 here: Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) Article

Exercise

VIC Health The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking

Black Dog Exercise Your Mood for Depression Fact sheet: Black Dog - Exercise Your Mood for Depression Fact Sheet

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: