Look after your mental health and wellbeing

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing can look different to everyone. It's about finding a balance in all aspects of your life that works for you. It's about your whole person: physical, mental, social and emotional. Making small adjustments can help you learn what works for you and stay well.

There are many things you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Some are simple, others more challenging. Being aware of them and making a plan is a great place to start.


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Create a plan to stay well

Writing down what you want to do to support your mental health and wellbeing can help keep it front of mind. It can also help you act earlier when you’re feeling unwell.

You may find it useful to get input from people you trust. We've developed our Wellbeing Action Tool to help you create a plan.

It’s important to remember that your plan is likely to develop and evolve. Make sure to review it often and update as you need.

Your plan could include:

  • what you like to do to keep well
  • what you must do to keep well
  • any goals you have
  • your triggers and ideal response
  • things you notice about yourself when you start feeling unwell
  • things others notice about you when you start feeling unwell.
 

Start your wellbeing plan

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Sleep well

Good quality sleep is a key factor in supporting your mental health and wellbeing. It can help with your mood, your memory and your ability to manage stress.

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Guided relaxation exercises 

Breathing and meditation techniques can help to relax the mind and body. They can also manage some symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Keep active

Keeping active can help you stay physically fit and mentally healthy. You don’t have to exercise all the time, even small amounts of activity can help you feel the benefits.
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Establish a good routine

Following basic day-to-day rituals and routines can help reduce the build-up of stress. And in times of uncertainty, help remind you things are within your control.
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Financial wellbeing

Financial health and mental health are linked. Financial challenges can cause significant stress, which can impact our mental health and wellbeing. Similarly, the state of our mental health can make it harder to get on top of our finances.

If you're recovering from a mental health condition

Everyone's recovery journey is unique. But with the right support, most people with anxiety and depression recover. Many people find their condition doesn’t disappear completely, but they are able to manage it.

Remember to be patient with yourself. Use setbacks as learning experiences. Have confidence in yourself, but don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Connect with others

Connecting with others is a great way to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Related information

  • Work and stress – stress at work isn’t always bad. But when there’s too much, or it goes on too long, your mental health can suffer.
  • Workplace bullying and harassment – bullying, harassment and other poor workplace behaviors can cause significant work-related stress, which can lead to poor mental health.
  • Burnout – find out what burnout is, what causes it and how you can protect your mental health.
  • Small business owners, sole traders and mental health – being responsible for a small business can be rewarding. But it can also take its toll. Learn what you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
  • Parenting and mental health – find information for parents and carers to help you support the mental health and wellbeing of a child or young person.
  • Pregnancy and early parenthood – find information and support for new and expectant parents on Healthy Families. Educator wellbeing – support for early learning service and school educators from Be You.
  • Educator wellbeing – support for early learning service and school educators from Be You.
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