Mind Matters Week is back! See what’s on and focus on your wellbeing
How are you feeling? Even early in the trimester as the study period ramps up and you’re settling into your routine it’s completely normal to feel a little stressed or in need of a moment to recharge or perhaps you’ve been coping with a long-term personal issue that’s starting to take a toll on your physical or mental health.
This week, we encourage you to take some time out to focus on your mental health and wellbeing. Prioritising wellbeing is important for everyone – whether you’re looking to manage challenges, build healthy habits, or simply take steps to feel your best.
That’s the motivation behind Mind Matters– Deakin’s mental health and wellbeing movement. Running throughout Week 4 (Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August), Mind Matters Week offers you mindful and stress-free activities, as well as helpful information, strategies and resources to enhance your mental wellbeing.
Our incredible Wellbeing Ambassadors play a key role in bringing Mind Matters to life, supporting many of the events happening both on campus and online. As passionate student leaders, they help promote mental wellbeing, encourage healthy habits, and connect students with Deakin’s support services. You’ll see them leading Walk n Talk sessions, co-hosting activities, and creating welcoming spaces where you can unwind and connect. If you spot them at an event, don’t hesitate to say hi – they’re here to support you!
What’s on this Mind Matters week 🎉
Throughout the week, we’re running some seriously inspiring events both online and on campus! You could:
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Paint your own keep cup to take home at Creative Cups and Convos or learn something new at our mental health trivia pop-up
> Go in the draw to win a 6-month wellbeing journal from The Resilience Project when you participate in our mental health trivia online (@deakinlife) or on campus – there are 50 journals up for grabs!
> Take a slower moment at Mindfulness in the Library (plus don’t forget to collect your tea and wellness freebies)!
> Put a smile on your dial by popping into the library to pat a friendly Therapy Dog
> Join a free THRIVE online session to hone in your study and wellbeing skills
> Get some fresh air and meet new friends at one of our Walk n Talk sessions led by our amazing Wellbeing Ambassadors
> Reduce stress, stretch your limbs and boost your mood with DeakinACTIVE’S free online wellbeing classes
> Tune into our Managing Social Anxiety Podcast Series to learn strategies designed to help you manage negative thoughts and social situations with confidence
👉 See what’s happening and register now for events via our Mind Matters webpage.
Find inspiration in art 🖼️
Art can be such a fantastic form of therapy, either to deal with personal struggles or to share feelings of joy, love, stress and despair. We want to showcase the amazing creative talents of our community in a space that helps to destigmatise mental health and inspires positive action. To encourage you to slow down, enjoy the present moment and get your imagination firing:
Visit our incredible Online Student Art Exhibition
This student exhibition features works of art inspired by, or reflecting on, mental wellbeing. You can view the digital art gallery at any time and each year we will continue to build on the student exhibit; continuing to shine a light on mental health and mental health difficulties.
Feeling creative? You could be a part of our next exhibition if you submit your own artwork!
Don’t be intimidated if you don’t paint or draw – we know that creativity comes in many forms. It might be a digital piece you’ve created, a poem you’ve written, a photo you’ve taken or even a performance – we’re interested in any piece that inspires you to think about mental health, or brings comfort or hope.
Pictured: Mental Turmoil by Vineet Suresh.
Remember support is always available ❤️🩹
Our Mind Matters page 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!
We also offer a range of health and wellbeing services to support you as a student. For urgent support outside of business hours, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or SuicideLine (1300 651 251) straight away. They’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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