Tips to look after you

    It's important to make time to engage in actvities that keep your social and emotional wellbeing strong. Activities will look different for everyone and may tap into more than one part of a person. Try new things and find something that works for you.
    Mental Health NT socially

    Connect socially

    Connect with your community, neighbours, friends and family in meaningful ways. Share a meal, play sport, offer to help ,or ask for help when you need. 

    Mental Health NT cultural

    Connect to culture

    Activities like hunting, dancing or eating food from your home country contribute to your wellbeing.

    Mental Health NT active

    Be active

    Gentle exercise and movement can help improve your mood and keep the body strong.

    Mental Health NT alcohol

    Cut back on alcohol

    Cutting back on alcohol or drugs can have positive effects on your mental health. Try to set a goal of reducing your drinks per week.

    Mental Health NT eat well

    Eat well

    A healthy body can also mean a healthy mind. Eat local fruits, vegetables and whole foods, and avoid processed food. Maybe try cooking a new recipe?

    Mental Health NT meditation

    Practise mindfulness

    Slowing down and practicing mindfulness can be as simple as stepping away from your phone or computer for five minutes to sit quietly or go outside to get some sun. 

    Mental Health NT sleep

    Get plenty of sleep

    On average, people need 7 – 9 hours sleep every night (more if you're a young person). Try making small changes to your routine to better quality sleep.


    Mental Health NT outdoors

    Get outdoors

    Connecting with nature has been proven to boost your mood and wellbeing. Go for a short walk outside and enjoy the fresh air.

    Mental Health NT screentime

    Reduce screen time

    Stepping away from your screens and spending time outdoors or with others can help boost your mental health.

    Tools for your mental health toolkit

    Need a moment to slow things down?

    This three-minute guided meditation is accompanied by Australian bush and water scenes. The presence of the ancestors and the strength they offer is brought into the meditation.


    This meditation is voiced by Professor Helen Milroy AM and created by Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.

    Want to improve your mental fitness?

    Smiling Mind is Australia’s leading digital-led, prevention focussed mental health not-for-profit.


    The Smiling Mind App helps you learn the skills that promote mental wellbeing and create the habits to thrive. Suitable for children, young people and adults.


    Download and use for free from the App Store or Google Play Store.

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