Queensland Mental Health Week has been a powerful reminder of the importance of connection in maintaining positive mental health. Throughout this week, we’ve focused on connecting with ourselves, our communities, others, and nature. But true wellness doesn’t stop when the week ends. The real challenge is integrating these practices into our lives on an ongoing basis, so we can continue to nurture our mental health all year round.
Here’s how you can keep the momentum going and stay connected—not just during Mental Health Week, but every week.
1. Connect with Self: Making Self-Care a Habit
Connecting with yourself means checking in, listening, and giving yourself what you need. The challenge is in making this more than a one-time practice.
How to continue:
- Daily check-ins: Set aside five minutes each day to pause and ask yourself how you’re feeling—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence can help.
- Healthy routines: Incorporate small acts of self-care into your daily routine, whether it's exercising, reading, or just taking a few deep breaths. The goal is to regularly prioritise your well-being.
- Seek help when needed: If you’re struggling, reach out. Whether it’s to a friend, family member, or professional, asking for help is a powerful way to connect with yourself and honor your mental health.
2. Connect with Community: Keep Building Support Networks
Communities are the backbone of support systems, and staying engaged with them is key to mental wellness. Whether it's your local neighborhood, cultural group, or online community, these connections can keep you grounded.
How to continue:
- Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to stay connected to your community and give back. It also reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Join local events: Keep an eye out for local activities, gatherings, or cultural celebrations. Participating in events helps create a deeper sense of community and connection.
- Support each other: Offer support to those who may be struggling. Simply reaching out and asking, “Are you ok?” can make a huge difference.
3. Connect with Others: Strengthening Relationships Year-Round
The relationships we nurture with our loved ones, friends, and family form the foundation of our mental health. Building meaningful connections takes consistent effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding things we can do.
How to continue:
- Stay present: Practice being present with those around you. Put away distractions like phones when spending time with loved ones, and truly engage in conversation.
- Reach out regularly: Don’t wait for a special occasion to connect. Check in with friends and family regularly, even with a simple text or call. These small actions can maintain and deepen relationships.
- Quality time over quantity: Prioritise quality moments—whether it’s sharing a meal, going for a walk, or simply having a meaningful conversation. These interactions strengthen bonds in ways that surface-level communication can’t.
4. Connect with Nature: Keep Nature as Part of Your Routine
Spending time in nature is a simple yet powerful way to improve mental health. Nature can calm, inspire, and re-energise us, and the benefits are profound when we stay connected to it.
How to continue:
- Regular outdoor breaks: Incorporate nature into your daily routine. Whether it’s a morning walk, lunch break outside, or a weekend hike, making time for fresh air and natural surroundings can do wonders for your mind.
- Practice mindfulness: Next time you’re outside, pause and be mindful of your surroundings. Feel the breeze, listen to the birds, notice the textures of the world around you. It’s a calming way to ground yourself in the present moment.
- Sustainability practices: Taking care of the environment is a way to maintain your connection with nature. Simple actions like recycling, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable brands help ensure that we protect our natural world for future generations.
Creating Lasting Change
While Queensland Mental Health Week puts the spotlight on connection, the real journey to wellness is ongoing. Prioritising mental health requires continuous effort, but by integrating small, meaningful practices into your daily life, you can continue to stay connected with yourself, others, your community, and nature.
So, ask yourself: How will you keep these connections alive beyond this week? The answer could be the key to not just surviving but thriving—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
