My 5-Star Guide to Mental Health

Times have been tough of late for many people, and the bounce from COVID lockdowns and the like hasn’t been great for everyone. I know this from my clients, who, while they all do amazing work in helping people, those people don’t always come to them in a positive state of mind.

I am not a mental health practitioner, so don’t think there is a university degree behind my observations. These come from a lot of reading on the topic, so here goes.

– 1 –

My first tip is to learn to laugh and chase humour in your life. It could be a basic TV show, a movie or something you read, or even go out and find some stand-up comedy. I saw a mate of mine do his first stand-up comedy show recently via YouTube, he’s in Canada, but that left me feeling good all day. If your friends make you laugh, that is even better, 2 for the price of 1. I've got a mate who always makes me laugh, and I love him for that.

If you can send me somewhere or show me something that will make me laugh, post it in the comments.

– 2 –

Social interaction is critical. Human beings are pack animals, and working from home is the greatest threat we have all faced to our state of mind and wellbeing. Isolation is why mental health issues skyrocketed during lockdowns, so why are some of us doing it by choice? My tip is to limit your work from home. I reckon one day a week is enough; get into the workplace and be a part of something. And then get out and meet up with the people you don’t work with.?

Social Media is a modern addiction that needs limits and is not social interaction. It is generally a negative place full of things to drag you down. I try to be positive but often fail. Last year in another role, I was forced to call out some atrocious bullying by people who just wanted to complain about something and didn’t care who they hit and hurt in the process. When you write something, put yourself on the other side and think about how you or someone you love would feel, and then think about if the post is good-to-go.

– 3 –

Learn to relax – there are plenty of apps to help you meditate and wash the worries of the day away. Check out Insight Timer (it can be used for free and is the one I use), FitMind, UnPlug Meditation, Calm. My health fund gives me bonuses if I meditate with a compatible app, so that tells you it works because insurance companies don’t do anything without a financial upside.

Try some music too. The new Iggy Pop album is sensational and The Hold Steady has some new tracks... so I am happy.

– 4 –

If your body is not right, how can you expect your mind to be in its best place? I am not a gym junkie but I am trying to be healthier. I take a walk most days with the dogs, which also gives me pleasure – when Mr Bohdi jumps on the lead like a little bear I laugh, see point 1 – and I try to swim a few days a week. I had a big health scare a few years back, not related to anything I did, but it reminded me of my body’s importance. I stripped a lot of weight off, and I am still going

– 5 –

And finally, your job. If you don’t like it, stop complaining and change it. We are in an employee market in Australia, so there is no excuse. Don’t feel boxed in, either. You can always change what you do as well. Don’t let the past limit your future.

As I said, I am no expert, but I have read a lot about mental health and how to help yourself. In the face of the Australian government slashing mental health services – which I am astounded wasn’t front page news – we will need as much self-help as we can get.

Globally the spending on mental health services is abysmal. There should be a global push from everyone to have that changed.

If you want to read some of the data, have a look at this article https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/mental-health-impact-covid-19-andrew-clarke/

As my favourite band says – #StayPositive.

#MentalHealth