Staying well

There's no one size fits all with meditation. It’s helpful to have someone guide you through your meditation, especially if you haven’t done it much before. Headspace has some great articles, walk throughs and tips on how to meditate.

There are also a range of free apps that can help you learn - all you need is your phone.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, hit the pause button on studying and find a good book to read. To truly disconnect, sometimes there's nothing better than unwinding and getting lost in a book. There are many self help; health and wellbeing books to read if you want to learn how to manage stress.

Not a huge fan of reading? Why not tune into these amazing resources. Grab your headphones and get comfy.

• Spotify have created some relaxing playlists, perfect for when you're feeling a little overwhelmed. 
• We've found some of the best Aussie podcasts to reboot your health and happiness this year.
• The Top 3 TED Talks to improve your health & wellbeing might be more your thing.

Being kind to ourselves can be hard. Self-compassion is about accepting that you are human, you are valuable, and you are worthy.

Being self-compassionate can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your sense of self and your ability to think positively about a range of situations.

Here are 15 ways to be kinder to yourself today.

Gratitude is being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen in your life and taking the time to express appreciation and return kindness. A gratitude journal can help you keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult life can be, it can help to focus on what you're grateful for.

Learn about the benefits and how to start your gratitude journal today.

When you think of improving your mental health, you may not think about changing the food you eat. There is a strong link between what we eat and how we feel. That's why eating a well-balanced diet as per the Australia Dietary Guidelines, is a great way to start.

To save and help you stick to your budget, you could try meal prepping. Check out Eat This Much for all your meal prepping needs.

We get it – when you’re feeling stressed or low you probably feel more like watching TV than being active. But it’s often when you least feel like it that you most need it. Being active is essential for both physical and mental health. It doesn’t have to be an extreme workout; it can be as simple as going for a walk or doing some Yoga.

The Australian physical activity and exercise guidelinesprovides information and resources on staying regularly active.

Good sleep is like a mental health superpower. When you get enough sleep it's easier to manage your emotions: you have more patience, and you deal with stressful situations better. Also, you reduce your risk of mental health challenges in the future.

The Sleep Foundationhave made it their mission to improve people’s lives through getting a better nights sleep. Check out their page on Good Sleep Habits to start implementing these into your routine.

If you’re struggling with sleep, it might help to practice these mindfulness tips.

Have you done CDU's Mental Health Awareness Training?

This online course has been designed to support your understanding of mental health and how to manage any challenges to mental health. The learning outcomes are designed to empower you to make a difference in your own mental health and that of others. You will gain valuable skills either as a CDU employee or student.

Mental Health Awareness Training 

The Behaviour management pillar focuses on identifying students at risk and managing the impact of concerning or threatening behaviour, and includes:

• Training for academics and front line staff in managing student behaviour
• Code Black training for key staff
• Processes for escalation of concerning or threatening behaviour
• Establishment of a cross-university threat management group
• Identification of external expertise
• New Code of Conduct
• Case management/ records system

The Respect.Now.Always pillar focuses on preventing gender-based violence and improving the CDU response to sexual assault or harassment. Our immediate priorities include:

• Participating in the National Student Safety Survey
• Online reporting tool
• Recruitment and training of Contact Officers
• Review of consent materials and roll out of fresh resources
• Creation of resources for responsible use of alcohol & other drugs
• Development of case management procedures
• Articulation of zero tolerance stance in practice
• Focus on IHD and other residential settings

The Diversity and inclusion pillar will ensure all students can participate and succeed in a welcoming environment free from discrimination.  The plan includes: 

• Collaboration with the CDU Student Council to create a student diversity council
• Support for the CDU LGBTQIA+ Ally and Pride programs
• Contribution to the CDU Reconciliation Action Plan
• Development of a Disability Action Plan
• Development of inclusive language resources and guides
• Capturing and showcasing examples of inclusive best practice.

The Mental health pillar aims to reduce social isolation, connecting students with each other, with the University and with relevant community organisations. Understanding the importance of physical, emotional, financial and spiritual wellbeing, the plan includes:

• an improved range of student services online and on campus, including chaplaincy, sexual health and budgeting/finance,
• campus activation at all sites, building a strong community,
• development of an international student support plan,
• rollout of the suicide prevention toolkit, and
• strategic partnerships with key community/ health partners.