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It’s a state of wellbeing where we feel able to work and study, feel connected to others and be involved in activities in our communities.
Ask our experts
How can I boost my mental health?
Our headspace clinicians offer their insights on some practical ways to help improve your wellbeing.
Learn how to handle tough times
Taking time to think about how you’re handling tough times is really important. Sometimes the things we do naturally can help, and other times they don’t.
Build your options for handling tough times, they’ll come in handy now and into the future. Here are some options to consider:
- use art, music or journaling to express yourself
- spend time in nature
- set some small goals, and get help seeing them through
- talk kindly to yourself
- websites and free apps that can help
Get in to life
Keep doing the stuff you love to do and the things that are important to you. It can help keep the fun in your life, give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boost your confidence and help you connect with others.
Some of these things, such as skating, reading or playing the guitar, might just be for fun, but other things like work or study can give you new skills and might help to give you a sense of accomplishment and meaning.
Connect with others
Spending time with family, friends (including pets) and people in your community can help strengthen your mental health and wellbeing. You can try things like:
- volunteer work
- hobbies
- clubs or committees
- sports
- Finding a safe online community can also help you feel connected and meet new people.
Stay active
Staying active can help you sleep better, manage stress and boost your mood.
Make time to take a break from study or work or hanging out, whether it’s going to the gym, kicking a ball around with a mate or going for a walk. Whatever it is, start small, with something you think is manageable, and make sure it’s something you enjoy.
Sleep well
Sleeping well is good for your brain and body, and helps you feel energised, stay focused and protect your mental health. See our sleep resource for more information and advice.
Eat well
Eating well can improve your mood, energy levels and general health and wellbeing. Fill up on nutritious food (like veggies, fruit and whole grains) and drink plenty of water to give your body and brain all the power it needs to help it out.
Limit alcohol and other drugs
Limiting the amount of alcohol and other drugs that you take, or cutting them out altogether, can help you sleep better, feel better, and keep a healthy headspace.
Even though alcohol and other drugs may make you feel good in the very short term, they can impact your mental health and make you feel much worse in the long run.
Check out our tips on limiting alcohol and other drugs.
Download our tips for a healthy headspace fact sheet
(PDF 671 kb)
Getting support
Letting others know what’s going on can help you feel understood and supported. You might talk to trusted family, Elders, counsellor, teacher, your Sheikh or Iman.
For professional support, you can see your General Practitioner (GP), make an appointment to chat to someone at your local headspace centre or eheadspace for online and phone support.
Remember, keeping good mental health involves building your mental fitness, it can help you on top of things and get the most out of each day.
The headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed 1 August 2022
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If you feel you need help there are a range of ways we can support you.