The idea for Headspace Day 2021, today, is to encourage young people to focus on the future, by laying small, everyday steps that support their mental wellbeing.
Headspace has elected this call to action following the release of new research that shows more than half of young Australians still deal with personal problems on their own, rather than speaking to someone.
Generation Z, defined as born between 1995 to 2010, is often regarded by older generations as too expressive with their emotions. Simply type “why is gen z so sensitive?” into Google to read the familiar perceptions.
However, Headspace’s research shows that despite this image, 53 per cent of Australian youth will still opt to face their issues alone, perhaps because three in five young people (61 per cent) feel there is still stigma around seeking help for a mental illness – as found in the Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey.
With the effects of the pandemic, it is important now more than ever that everyone protects their mental health for a future outside of lockdown, which seems right over the horizon.
“We know young people have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic with major changes to their study, home and social lives,” said headspace CEO Jason Trethowan.
“That’s why we are so concerned that many young Australians continue dealing with their problems on their own instead of reaching out for help.
“We want young people to know there is always someone you can talk to – be it a trusted adult in your life, a friend, a family member or a service like headspace. You don’t need to go it alone.”
Life-altering changes begin with small habits. In 2021, headspace is encouraging young people to create some time and space to focus on the things they love. Spending five or 10 minutes each day on something that helps them to slow down a little, create a routine, connect with someone, or take a moment to breathe.
Here are their seven tips for a healthy headspace, plus some suggestions on what that might look like for you or the young people in your care:
Get into life
This may seem cheesy or vague, but its all about the importance of finding a sense of purpose. When fun activities also provide a sense of accomplishment, no matter what the activity might be, it’s sure to boost confidence while also keeping you grounded.
Learn skills for tough times
Just like teaching your young person to cook or do their own laundry, it’s essential to take the time to teach them how to whether tough times. Building strategies can look like sharing openly how you handled hard times, or suggesting simple management techniques – like journaling, spending time in nature, and positive self-talk.
Get enough sleep
There’s no way around it. Sleep is a heavy hitter in influencing your mental health. Headspace recommends practicing ‘winding down’ activities before bed and supporting a regular routine in the morning.
Create connections
Studies show that even if you are in introvert, human beings are ‘hardwired’ to connect with others, and it is an essential part of mental health. Sometimes its important to take an honest look at our social circles and weigh up whether connecting or reconnecting with someone is what we need right now, and therefore worth the effort.
Eat well/Stay active
Click here to read nutritionist-certified tips to combat lockdown blues by staying healthy and active.
Cut back on alcohol and other drugs
If you are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, and may have experienced exacerbated issues due to lockdown, please seek help as soon as possible. Calling a helpline can be a seemingly small step to a world of improvement to your mental health.
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