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We know times are tough and keeping on top of our mental health can seem overwhelming, so we have 10 quick and easy ways to help take care of yourself mentally. If you ever need extra support here's a list of helpful support services. If you are not sure which of the services is right for you, don’t be afraid to reach out and get in touch with our DUSA advocates!
We are here for you.
1. Stay Active
Exercise is so beneficial to not only your physical health but also your mental health! Taking some time out of your day to engage in some form of exercise will do wonders for your overall health. It doesn’t have to be much, go for a walk around the block, follow a YouTube tutorial or check out some of the Deakin Active Group Fitness Classes.
2. Practice mindfulness
No matter what level of stress you are experiencing, it is important to action it and relax so you can move on with your day. Practicing mindfulness can help with this. Whether you choose to mediate by yourself, follow a mindfulness app, or just jot your feelings down in a mindfulness journal, it is important to take some time out for yourself, focus on your own feelings, and de-stress.
3. Keep in touch with your mates
Not being able to go out and see the people you love is hard, but luckily we live in the 21st century and have so many different ways available to contact our friends. Pick up your phone and give someone a call (or FaceTime if you’re brave enough to show how badly you need a haircut!), organise a zoom catch up with your friends, or if one of your mates lives within your 5km radius meet up for a walk. There is always a way to stay connected with those who are important in our lives.
4. Seek help
Sometimes you need that little extra bit of support to help ease your mind, and that’s totally normal! You can always check out the resources available through our website, arrange a telehealth appointment with Deakin Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS), engage in online forums such as reachout.com, or contact Headspace or Beyond Blue.
5. Make a homemade meal
Instead of ordering UberEats for the 5th time this week, try cooking a new meal! Doesn’t have to be fancy, but why not try something new? (Preferably healthy too because food affects your mood!) If you’re stuck for an idea, you can ask a family member or friend for their favourite recipe and give it a go, or just google “quick and easy recipes” and find something you think you might like. Who knows, it could become your new favourite meal!
6. Take a break from the news
Doomscrolling. We all do it. You start to check for the latest updates and next thing you know hours have passed and you’re still going. While we’re in lockdown it’s easy to get lost in the endless news about COVID cases and vaccination numbers, but that’s not going to make restrictions ease any faster. Instead of checking your phone every break you have, try one of the other activities mentioned in our other posts.
7. Create a playlist
Music therapy has been around for years and has proven to make a difference to a person’s overall wellbeing as it has a positive effect on the brain and acts as a therapeutic device. By creating your own playlist, not only do you get to listen to some absolute bangers, but you are helping your mental health. Jump on Spotify and create a playlist of your favourite songs and share with your friends! You could even get them to help you create new playlists, or you could make multiple for different moods eg. positive vibes, relaxing, etc.
8. Declutter for five minutes
Since we’re all at home a lot more than we used to be, it is important to be in a clean and tidy environment. Don’t try and organise your entire house in one day, (unless you want to, you do you) but instead, tackle one goal at a time. Start with one cupboard, or even one shelf in that cupboard, and get organising! Listen to some tunes or pop something on tv to make the time go faster and you’ll have your space organised in no time!
9. Watch or read something uplifting
Sometimes distracting yourself can be a good thing. Pop on your favourite movie or tv show and allow yourself to relax with something comforting. Or if you’d prefer to watch some of your favourite creators on YouTube, do that! Of course, if you’re more into books than screen media, read a few chapters of your favourite story or a new book you’ve been meaning to get to for a while.
10. Learn something new
Is there any better time to pick up a new skill? Now is the time to finally learn how to edit videos or play that musical instrument. Thinking about learning to paint? Do it now! Want to upskill with something useful you can put on your resume? Check out any of the DUSA short courses we have available.
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Remember, it is totally fine to be struggling with your mental health. Make sure you take time out for yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out for some help and support. We are always here for you.
Original Post: https://au.reachout.com/articles/10-ways-to-take-care-of-yourself-during-coronavirus