How can we stay happy and well? Let’s all go with the flow this Mind Matters Week!
How are you feeling about Trimester 2 so far? While we hope you’re enjoying the start of the new study period, we know that being a uni student isn’t always easy.
Research indicates that rates of distress and vulnerability to mental health problems are higher in university students than the general population. It’s not really surprising when you think about it – uni often involves juggling many personal and professional commitments alongside your studies. It can be a lot to cope with for anyone!
At Deakin, we believe that mental health and wellbeing should be a priority for all of us, not just those who experience mental illness. The broad spectrum of mental health encompasses more than just dealing with any problems – it’s also about helping you feel your best and accepting yourself, whatever your situation. So, whether you’re someone who experiences a mental health issue, or you’d just like to feel better about yourself, we’re here to help you make small changes that prioritise your overall health.
That’s the motivation behind Mind Matters – Deakin’s mental wellbeing movement. Running throughout Week 4 – from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August – Mind Matters Week offers you helpful information, strategies and resources to enhance your mental wellbeing. This trimester, we’d love to see you stop by on campus in between classes for some great opportunities to unwind and mingle with other students!
Exercise the creative part of your brain
Think about the last time you felt totally absorbed and content while working on some sort of project – chances are you were in a state of what psychologists call ‘flow’. The concept of flow is akin to being mindful, having been described as ‘one of life’s highly enjoyable states of being, wrapping us entirely in the present, and helping us be more creative, productive, and happy’.
It is well established that taking part in creative activities can improve your mental health and wellbeing for this very reason. Drawing on the boundless and playful nature of your imagination and focusing your attention on a creative pursuit is simultaneously energising and calming. And, by allowing us to express and explore the wider meanings of things beyond just ourselves, unleashing our creativity can also lead to transformative feelings of connection with others. What’s more, the simple act of taking part in a creative endeavour may also help to reduce your feelings of anxiety or depression.
‘Drawing on lived experiences to create art, including creative writing, can make you vulnerable,’ acknowledges Teresa Capetola, an academic in the Faculty of Health and member of the Ascolta Women Write collective.
‘[But] knowing that your work may resonate with other people’s experiences and bring them some comfort, strength or feeling less alone, is also a great antidote to feeling vulnerable,’ she says.
Brendan Toohey, an academic in the Faculty of Arts and Education, and professional clarinet and saxophone musician, has also discovered the immersive and transcendent nature of an ensemble performance.
‘When playing music with others, you are constantly mindful and self aware of your playing and how it connects with everything else,’ he says.
I find this state of awareness flows into other aspects of my life, it is more reflective than active and has guided me through many difficult situations, often without me realising it at the time.
Join us for some on-campus inspiration this Mind Matters Week!
To encourage you to slow down, enjoy the present moment and get your imagination firing, this Mind Matters week we’re hosting an incredible Student Art Exhibition featuring works of art inspired by, or reflecting on, mental wellbeing. Don’t miss viewing these artworks, which cover themes of isolation, trauma, helplessness, depression and anxiety – but also peace, perspective, healing, resilience, hope and love. Pictured: Deep Impact by Chris Tomkins.
Throughout Mind Matters Week, we’re also hosting a range of other great events to help you slow down and enjoy the moment – see the full details and register now for events via our Mind Matters webpage!
Included in the line-up next week, we also welcome you to bring your own experience of mental health (or anything else you fancy) to life by making an artwork on the spot. Our Inspiration Stations will have all the supplies you’ll need – and it doesn’t matter if you’re not a great artist! Just have fun and express yourself.
And if you’re based at either Burwood or Warrnambool, don’t miss your chance to pat a cute pup during one of our ever-popular Therapy Dog Library visits! There’s nothing like a cuddle with a four-legged friend to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.
And if you can’t make it to campus? You can view the digital art gallery at any time.
Support is always available
Our Mind Matters page also links out to a range of health and wellbeing content to help you find more ways to be balanced, including staying connected, getting proper sleep, exercising your body and mind, and understanding the link between food and mood – check it out!
You must be logged in to post a comment.