Calendar to kick-start healthy habits

BENDIGO Community Health Services has launched an interactive October calendar listing thirty-one ways people can care for their own wellbeing this Mental Health Month.

Daily activities include social catch-up ideas, exercise and community-minded prompts like booking a blood donation or picking up litter, with website links to help people get started.

The calendar was designed using the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework and BCHS health promotion project worker Kahla Else said the activities could benefit people particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Five Ways to Wellbeing are five simple ways to improve mental wellbeing,” she said.

“Life can get tough at times, especially in the middle of a global pandemic, so we suggest that you try the five.

“Take some time to connect, be active, give, take notice and keep learning.”

As part of the month-long campaign, BCHS will host a free virtual Smiling Mind workshop on building resilience on 20 October.

Ms Else said the popular 90-minute session is open to everyone wanting to learn more about mindfulness.

“This is a valuable opportunity for anyone in the community to build their skills and knowledge and experience the many benefits that come with increased resilience and mindfulness in the workplace,” she said.

“We have held two Smiling Mind workshops already and the feedback from people who attended was overwhelmingly positive for what they learned and how much they enjoyed the experience.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic makes hosting an in-person workshop too hard, we have decided to try a virtual one so as many people as possible can attend.”

To download the October calendar or register for the Smiling Mind workshop, visit bit.ly/3iqoJfZ.