Mental health is fundamental to living a healthy, balanced life.

According to a National Health Survey conducted in 2020, one in five Australians (20%) experience mental health issues, which is equivalent to more than 5.1 million people each year.

Mental health takes in aspects such as our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think, and behave each day. Mental health is also a big contributor to our decision-making process, how we cope with stress, and how we relate to others in our lives.

So why is looking after our psychological health important?

Each aspect of our mental health is important as it is a vital part of your life, impacting your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. Looking after your psychological health can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school, or caregiving. It also plays an important part in the health of your relationships and allows you to adapt to changes taking place in your life creating better coping responses amidst adversity.

How can you improve your psychological health day-to-day?

There are steps you can take to improve your mental health every day.

Here are small things you can do each day to work on your psychological health:

• Exercising
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet
• Opening up to others in your circle
• Taking a moment to become present
• Remembering something you are grateful for
• Getting adequate sleep
• Take time to sit, stand, walk or relax in nature in some way
• Spend time connecting with a safe person or animal in your life

Many changes take place when we change our surroundings and look after our physical wellbeing.

The psychological change happens when we choose to work on our self-awareness; this is when we strengthen our ability to respond better to the environment around us.