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In stressful times, many of us can face a variety of different struggles and challenges that are hard not to focus on. We're not sure what the future holds and that can make us feel unhappy or anxious. But, here's the good news: where you are – right now – is the perfect place to find happiness and calm, says Hugh van Cuylenberg, founding director of The Resilience Project.
Hugh and his team focus on three effective tools for good mental health: gratitude, empathy and mindfulness – a combination they call GEM. The research is clear, says Hugh: the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be.
"We have so much around us that is great," Hugh reminds us. Whether it's grabbing a morning latte, FaceTiming friends, watching your favourite Netflix show or spending quality time with family, pay attention to what you have, not what you don't have, he suggests. Ask yourself, "what is it about my home that makes it a special place?" or, "Who do I feel grateful for today?"
To really wire your brain for gratitude, end each day by writing down 3 things that went well for you, says Hugh. Backed by research, the evidence suggests that after 21 days of practise you will start to feel a difference in your wellbeing.
Really thinking about other people and how they are feeling makes us more likely to perform an act of kindness and that makes us feel good, says Resilience Project facilitator Martin Heppell. Your self-confidence goes through the roof when you feel empathy because your brain releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, he says.
Ask yourself who you know who is experiencing difficulty at the moment, and what could you do for them? Some ideas are cooking a nice meal for the people you live with, purchasing essentials for a neighbour in need or sending a friend a text or email telling them you care. Maybe you could write a list of 10 people you know are struggling and reach out to one of them every day. The payoff? You'll get the happiness benefits of your acts of kindness.
“Apparently we spend 49% of our time thinking about the future,” says Hugh. Yet, we have no control over that and running through endless possible scenarios can be exhausting. The best way to feel calm and happy is to think about what's happening as it's happening, he says.
Spend five minutes outside every day, paying attention to what you can feel, hear, smell and see. Do some D.I.Y., gardening or home improvement projects, search for craft supplies for a new hobby, or try some meditation. You'll find some meditation guides on The Resilience Project's app that also helps you monitor your progress in a daily GEM journal.
If you are concerned about your mental health and would like to talk to someone, Beyond Blue has phone support, a web chat support service and online community forums. Visit beyondblue or call 1300 224 636.
Take a moment to read up on how to take care of your mental health.
Photo credit: iStock
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
