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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Five Ways to Wellbeing are five simple ways to improve mental wellbeing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife can get tough at times, especially in the middle of a global pandemic, so we suggest that you try the five.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake some time to connect, be active, give, take notice and keep learning.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of the month-long campaign, BCHS will host a free virtual Smiling Mind workshop on building resilience on 20 October.<\/p>\n
Ms Else said the popular 90-minute session is open to everyone wanting to learn more about mindfulness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n