Mental Health & Well-Being Blog : September

Connect 

Build meaningful relationships

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. Now that we live more independently, this means many of us may feel disconnected or lonely.

There are plenty of ways to make meaningful connections with people. This includes spending time with family and friends, inviting co-workers or classmates for lunch, joining a team or club, or even having a friendly chat with the guy serving you at the bakery.

Why? 

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.

Find daily activities that you can do to improve your mental wellbeing – Connect more

• Call instead of texting
• Schedule a regular video chat catch-up
• Start a gratitude jar
• Put your phone away
• Have a day OFF social media
• Play a board game
• Send a handwritten letter
• Go out for lunch
• Get out of your social comfort zone
• Try a local meet up

Exercise of the Month – Couch to 5k Challenge/Running

This month we are focusing on running (or superfast walking).  Click on the image below to try a Couch to 5k running plan or app, start out slow jogging on your walk, anything that will get your body moving and ready for Spring.

• Check out this link for running events around Australia: Fun Running Calendar link
• 11 easy ways to make walking more fun: 

Mental Health Awareness Campaigns – September

September is Prostate Awareness Month:

Adult Learners Week: 1st-8th September:

Women’s Health Week: 7^th-11^th September:

World Suicide Prevention Day: 10^th September:

R U OK? Day: 10^th September:

We regularly find blogs and webinars that we believe many of our patrons would find useful. Click on the links below to learn more.

• Your guide to writing poetry as a form of self-care

• WHISE and Jean Hailes team up in support of Women’s Health

• Torrens University : online courses :Torrens University is offering an online learning opportunity to West Gippsland Libraries. So why not sign up for a free online short course to help enhance your learning skills while at home. Online learning is great for your Mental Health.

• Eating Healthy with Celebrity Chef Matt Preston

Links for Support:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://headtohealth.gov.au/

https://www.sane.org/

https://mhaustralia.org/

Local Shire Links and Events:

• Baw Baw Shire –https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Events-Calendar
• Bass Coast Shire –https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/explore/whats-on
• South Gippsland Shire –https://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/events

Head to Health – Australian Government Department of Health:

• https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19