student wellbeing hub
5 ways you can take care of yourself
Things have been pretty topsy-turvy over the past 18 months, and all the changes can have an impact on our wellbeing. It’s very normal if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed by it all. It is important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care. Here are some quick and easy ways for you to take care of yourself.
STAY ACTIVE
You could join a dance class or a sporting team, or even take your dog (or cat!) for a walk. You can also check out some Apps and Tools for exercise inspiration!
TAKE 10 TO BE ZEN
When we’re stressed about something, our thoughts tend to speed up. Taking 10 minutes to practice mindfulness can bring a sense of calmness.
Some free mindfulness apps:
Insight Timer
Smiling Mind
Headspace
My Life
CHAT WITH YOUR MATES
Try to stay in touch with your mates or those people who make you feel good. Connect in person or via text, Messenger, FaceTime, or through a good old-fashioned phone call.
Do the stuff you love
When you’re not feeling your best, it can be hard to find the motivation or energy to do what you enjoy. It’s at those times that it’s super-important to connect with what you love. Have a think about the things that make you feel happy and relaxed and keep doing those things.
Watch an episode of your favourite TV show
Listen to your favourite songs.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Make a music playlist – music can make us feel so much better!
Go somewhere new or different to your usual hangout spots
Learn something new
*source: ReachOut Australia 2021
Checking in with yourself
When you’re not feeling so hot, it can be tricky figuring out what’s wrong. Slow down, take a breath and reflect on how you’re dealing with everything.
Take this quiz from ReachOut to check in with yourself. We’ll help you pinpoint what’s going well, and how you can improve what isn’t going so well.
IF YOU NEED A LITTLE MORE HELP…
If you find yourself worrying a lot, so much that it is impacting your everyday life, try The Brave Program to help find new ways to manage anxiety.
Try out Headspace’s Healthy Action Plan to help you identify ways to maintain your mental health and bounce back during tough times.
Six weekly challenges to help you improve your mental fitness, increase your happiness, reduce stress, improve your friendships and your focus.
IF IT’S ALL GETTING A BIT MUCH…
Sometimes things can get overwhelming, even if you’ve been practicing self-care. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, you can get in contact with someone for help using your phone or online. Some great places to reach out to are:
KIDS HELPLINE
(1800 55 1800)
(1800 55 1800)
24/7 phone and online counselling
HEADSPACE
(1800 650 890)
(1800 650 890)
Online and phone support and counselling
LIFELINE
(13 11 14)
(13 11 14)
24/7 phone counselling
what happens if i call a helpline?
It’s normal to feel nervous or unsure about talking to someone you don’t know, but it can really help to talk to someone who’s there to support you, in a non-judgmental way. Learn what happens when you call a helpline and how it might help you.