Your Mental Wellbeing

20 Dec 2024

We do our best to take care of those around us: our partners, families, friends, colleagues, pets... But sometimes we need to turn that caring attention around the other way, back to ourselves, to recharge physically, mentally and emotionally.

Self-care is the practice of doing just that, and we all have different ways of going about it. 

Queensland Health presents some tips and ideas for refilling your cup.

Remember, there is nothing selfish about self-care.

Tips for topping up 

1. Sleep 

There is a close, almost circular, relationship between good mental health and sleep. Sleep gives your brain important “down time” to process and store the information it receives during the day. Not getting enough sleep affects your mood and ability to concentrate, and can also lead to anxiety and depression. 

When you get the right amount of quality sleep, you feel refreshed and alert, your thinking is clearer, your mood is improved, and you can respond well to the opportunities and challenges that come your way. 

Pay attention to your sleep hygiene: the ideal sleep environment is as dark as possible, very quiet, and on the cool side (15-20 degrees C). Find out more about sleep and mental health. 

2. Move your body 

Physical activity has many benefits for your body and mind. Moving as self-care doesn’t have to be dramatic. You can, of course, hit the gym for an intense workout (if that’s what you like) but a gentle walk, stretch or swim can also be beneficial. Check out some activities for getting active. 

3. Do something you love doing

A long bath might be your thing, or it could be a swim in the ocean, a yoga class, watching a movie, playing with your dog, playing a musical instrument, indulging in your hobby, or hanging out with friends or family.

4. Make self-care part of your routine 

If you find it tricky to find time to practise self-care, you might like to try building it into your daily routine, either in the morning, the evening, or both. If it helps, you can write it down, for example: 

Morning: 

Avoid looking at your phone or the TV for a while after waking 

Go outside for a bit and enjoy the air and morning sun 

Do some light stretching or exercise 

Read something quick and inspiring

Practise gratitude or set an intention for the day. 

5. Connect more 

Feeling connected to people, groups, places and culture plays an important part in your mental wellbeing. Humans evolved to live in tight bands or family groups, with a need for constant social interaction hardwired into our DNA. 

Regular positive interactions stimulate the production of a feel-good chemical in your brain, boosting your mood. Fostering stronger relationships and connections to your community will also strengthen your social networks for the times you might need extra support. For connection ideas and activities, click on the “Show me more tips” button below and filter by “Connect more.” 

Looking for more tips? 

Visit the Your Mental Wellbeing website to find more activities that can relieve anxiety and stress, help you find calm, support your mental health, and create a healthier relationship with your mind. 

The following has more tips on mental wellbeing.  

Queensland Health hopes you find the information about self-care useful. 

For more information from Queensland Health, please visit https://www.health.qld.gov.au/.