Look after your mental health and wellbeing

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing can look different to everyone. It's about finding a balance in all aspects of your life that works for you. It's about your whole person: physical, mental, social and emotional. Making small adjustments can help you learn what works for you and stay well.

There are many things you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Some are simple, others more challenging. Being aware of them and making a plan is a great place to start.

Sleep well

Good quality sleep is a key factor in supporting your mental health and wellbeing. It can help with your mood, your memory and your ability to manage stress.

Learn about sleep and mental health

Keep active

Keeping active can help you stay physically fit and mentally healthy. You don’t have to exercise all the time, even small amounts of activity can help you feel the benefits.

Learn ways to keep active

Eat well

Food plays a vital role in maintaining your mental and physical health. Eating well can be hard but there are ways to establish and maintain a healthy diet that can work for you.

Learn about eating well and mental health

Establish a good routine

Following basic day-to-day rituals and routines can help reduce the build-up of stress. And in times of uncertainty, help remind you things are within your control.

Learn about routines and mental health

Create a plan to stay well

Writing down what you want to do to support your mental health and wellbeing can help keep it front of mind. It can also help you act earlier when you’re feeling unwell.

You may find it useful to get input from people you trust.

It’s important to remember that your plan is likely to develop and evolve. Make sure to review it often and update as you need.

Download a plan template (PDF)

Your plan could include:

what you like to do to keep well

what you must do to keep well

any goals you have

your triggers and ideal response

things you notice about yourself when you start feeling unwell

things others notice about you when you start feeling unwell.

Get support

A mental health crisis can affect any of us at any time. Some events can put us at greater risk. If you’re going through a hard time right now, support is available.

Reducing stress – stress is a common response to tough situations. However, severe and ongoing stress can lead to poor mental health.
Grief and loss – find tips on looking after yourself or a loved one after a significant loss.
Drugs and alcohol – learn how addictions can impact your mental health and tips on changing habits.
Unemployment – find practical ways to support yourself when experiencing unemployment.
Financial wellbeing – find tools to get on top of your money and help with financial stress.
Look after yourself as a supporter – find tips for looking after yourself when supporting someone else.
Work and mental health – learn about mentally healthy workplaces and find support for workplace mental health issues on Heads Up.
Pregnancy and early parenthood – find information and support for new and expectant parents on Healthy Families.

Relaxation exercises

Relaxation techniques can help to relax the mind and body. They can also manage some symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Find relaxation exercises

If you're recovering from a mental health condition

Everyone's recovery journey is unique. But with the right support, most people with anxiety and depression recover. Many people find their condition doesn’t disappear completely, but they are able to manage it.

Remember to be patient with yourself. Use setbacks as learning experiences. Have confidence in yourself, but don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Connect with others

Connecting with others is a great way to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Learn from others like you

Anonymously read, share and learn from people who understand what you're going through.

The Beyond Blue Forums is a welcoming peer support community.

Join the Forums

Stories to inspire you

Sharing a story about mental health is one of the bravest things anyone can do.

Hear how others from the community are moving through their own mental health experiences and be inspired by their journeys.

Explore personal stories

Represent Beyond Blue

Volunteering for Beyond Blue is a great way to encourage conversations about mental health in the community, help to reduce stigma and the impacts of anxiety and depression.

Volunteer with us