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Changes in our personal circumstances and lifestyle can result in us feeling less connected to others and increase the risk of us feeling isolated. This is why staying connected matters! Fostering strong healthy ties with family, friends, colleagues and those in our community can make us feel more secure, confident, happy, and give us a greater sense of purpose. Being connected to others can also be a protective factor for someone struggling with anxiety, depression or just having a hard time of things. Connecting with animals, nature, or your spiritual beliefs or culture can also be a source of comforting and meaning when your facing challenges in your life. Whether confiding in a friend, helping a family member or speaking to someone anonymously in a support group, think about what or who helps you stay connected and grounded.

Choosing food and activity for good health is a great way to:

• Feel better mentally – This can include mood, concentration, information retention, and overall performance.
• Reduce physical health problems that can arise from poor diet or low activity (due to low energy).
• Get help sooner – The healthier you are the more likely you are to identify problems in your health before they become debilitating. The earlier any physically or mental illness is identified, the easier it usually is to improve or treat.
• Take control of your life and routine so you can spend more time and energy on the things you enjoy!

Eating for your health is not just about avoiding unhealthy food groups, its also about the way we consume food and the habits we form.

Do you plan your time at home or does it feel like there’s not enough time in a day? Do you find yourself not actively engaging in activities after work because you just want to relax? Planning enjoyment at home can lift our mood, provide us with routine, help us plan, feel prepared, and overall more productive in our daily lives. It’s not about scheduling every part of a day, it’s about keeping things simple.

Stop and think for a minute… What puts a smile on your face? What reduces your stress? If you are not sure where to start, keep it simple and try different activities until you find one that sticks: Cook something new Touch base with a friend Make, dance or listen to music.

Sleep disturbance commonly involves difficulty getting to sleep with or without early morning wakening (usually around 3am) followed by a restless night thereafter. To restore a pattern of normal sleep, it is important to practice sleep-promoting behaviours during the day, evening, at bedtime and during the night. Remember that adults are no different to children, we also need wind-down routines.

Consider how you put your ‘inner child’ to bed. Are your habits and actions sleep promoting or disruptive behaviour? If you’re experiencing sleep disturbance, it may be worth considering looking at your routine and trying to implement strategies such as meditation.