Throughout COVID, mental health services have been in the spotlight due to the increase in demand from Australians of every age. As we near the end of a tumultuous 2020, it’s important to remember to still take the time to practice relaxation and mindfulness.
If you feel concerned about your mental wellbeing, please make an appointment to chat with our friendly GPs. Our medical practice offers allied health services including appointments with our Nanango Psychologist.
Some of the best ways to ensure great mental health are also the simplest. Here we share just a few tips for mental wellness.
STAY CONNECTED
While this has not been the easiest year to connect with your community, experts encourage people to stay connected for their mental health. Whether you’re joining a sports team, chatting with your barista or visiting family or friends, positive social interactions will improve your mood and help you make meaningful connections within your community.
SOAK UP NATURE
Did you know that taking the time to enjoy natural surroundings can offer health benefits including lowering your blood pressure and boosting your immune system [1]? And the best part – it’s completely free!
Whether it’s your backyard, the beach, parklands, a river or a nature reserve, connecting with the natural world can provide instant relaxation and alleviate negative feelings and stress.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
OK, so you’ve probably heard of mindfulness, but do you really understand what that means for your daily life? From Deepak Chopra to your local yoga teacher, mindfulness is a tool used by people across the globe. Rather than clearing your mind or controlling your thoughts, mindfulness is about paying attention to what is happening in the moment [2]. Mindfulness can help your mental health by helping you focus on the present, instead of being overwhelmed with stress or worry.
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
Whether you struggle with sleep, don’t make time for physical exercise or eat a lot of highly processed foods, your mental health can be affected by your lifestyle choices. Leading a balanced life and getting enough sleep is crucial if you want to encourage mental resilience, so speak with your GP about your health and wellbeing — and make a positive change.
Drayton Street Family Practice is here to help our community look after their physical and mental health with our general practice and allied health services. If you’d like to learn more about improving your mental health — or you’d like to book an appointment with our visiting Psychologist at our Nanango practice — please phone us on 07 4171 0711.
* The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company.