7 Ways To Make Mental Health A Daily Priority | CBCC News
Every September, R U OK day reminds us of the importance of mental health, and checking in with those around us – our family, friends, and others in our social network.
Although this day serves as a vital reminder to look out for each other, it’s also important to remember that mental health should not be a once-a-year conversation but a daily focus.
The CBCC understands that for many people in our community, mental health discussions can be more complex due to cultural stigmas, language barriers, and lack of access to culturally sensitive support. How do we start making mental health a daily focus for us and for those around us so that our community feels supported year-round? Read on to find out.
The Importance of Mental Health
When people think of healthy people, they think of people who have great physical health. However, mental health is just as important, if not more.
Maintaining strong mental health is essential for overall well-being. It helps us handle life’s stresses, work productively, build strong relationships, and contribute to our communities. Mental health is more than mental disorders: it exists on a spectrum, with each person experiencing it differently. It is a basic human right and plays a key role in personal and community growth.
For women seeking to return to the workforce, or for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, mental health is crucial for building confidence and resilience. However, cultural stigmas and language barriers, amongst other challenges, often make it harder to talk about.
This is why ongoing conversations about mental health are so important, not just on awareness days like R U OK day, as it will increase awareness, promote advocacy, and encourage open conversations that will break down the barriers preventing people from seeking help.
By creating safe, inclusive spaces where mental health is openly discussed, we help build stronger communities. Whether returning to work, balancing family life, or facing challenges, maintaining good mental health is key to thriving, both individually and as a community.
7 Strategies to Boost Mental Health Daily
Many people automatically think of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists when they think of mental health support. However, there are many ways to support mental health that doesn’t require clinical intervention.
To help you maintain your mental well-being, here are seven simple strategies that you can incorporate into your daily lives easily.
Create a Routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine provides structure and stability, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can help create a sense of control and predictability in daily life, allowing you to manage your tasks more effectively. Routines also promote healthy habits, such as consistent sleep schedules, which can improve focus and support overall physical and emotional well-being.
For those navigating cultural adjustments or juggling work and home life, such as full-time parents or carers, a structured day boosts confidence by ensuring everything gets done with less stress.
Practice Gratitude
Daily gratitude helps shift focus toward the positive, even during challenging times. For people who are experiencing additional challenges, such as cultural or language barriers, practicing gratitude can be particularly empowering in building a sense of progress and optimism.
By recognising small victories and positive experiences, you can build resilience and maintain a healthier, more positive outlook.
Connect With Others in Your Community
Social connection is essential to overcoming isolation and building a sense of belonging.
Joining local community groups or cultural organisations can help you create new relationships, especially with those who share similar experiences or interests. Attending social events or volunteering are great ways to meet new people and strengthen emotional support networks.
Stay Active
Physical activity, like walking or yoga, has been proven to boost mood by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and enhance happiness. Exercise also lowers cortisol, a hormone linked to stress and anxiety.
Additionally, participating in group activities or local fitness classes provides opportunities to connect with others and reduce feelings of isolation. It’s a win-win!
Mindfulness and Meditation
Pausing to be mindful of your thoughts can significantly reduce anxiety. Practices like meditation or deep breathing help keep you grounded, especially during stressful transitions like cultural integration or adapting to a new environment. These techniques promote calmness and mental clarity, making it easier to manage stress and stay focused.
Limit Screen Time and Stay Informed
While staying connected through digital media is important, setting boundaries on screen time is crucial for mental well-being, especially with content that might increase stress or anxiety. Limiting exposure to negative or overwhelming news helps maintain balance.
Instead, focus on engaging with media that promotes positivity, supports well-being, and offers culturally relevant information in your preferred language.
Access to Culturally Sensitive Support Services
It’s important to seek mental health services that are culturally and linguistically tailored to your needs. These services provide support that respects your cultural background, religion, and language, making it easier to access care.
Finding support that understands your culture can help break down any cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, ensuring that you and the people around you feel understood and supported.
Here are some culturally sensitive mental health support services in and around Canterbury-Bankstown:
Mental health is a year-round priority. For our broad and diverse community, discussing mental health can sometimes feel daunting due to cultural stigmas, but breaking that silence is key to building a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
By incorporating small, manageable strategies and offering culturally sensitive support, we can ensure that mental health is cared for beyond just one day a year. Let’s make mental health a daily conversation: one that embraces the unique needs of our culturally diverse community.
Join the conversation at the CBCC and become part of a network that will support you.
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