Today Thursday, 10 September 2020 is R U OK?Day, and if Covid has taught us anything, it’s just how fragile things really can be at times. Covid has also shown us just how important our mental well-being is for everyone, it’s opened up the conversation more so than ever before.
As a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the right day to ask, “Are you OK?”. This is an opportunity to educate and discuss what this means practically.
This year’s RUOK? message is ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’ and this is significant. Because this highlight’s that there’s no quick fixes, it’s not just about today, it’s about building ongoing conversations, building a social habit of looking after ourselves as well as other’s mental well-being. The conversation is continuing.
Some suggestions to keep the mental well-being conversation going for yourself and for others around you:
It’s ok
It’s also ok to need support. It’s ok to feel that life’s ups and downs are really hard. And its ok to need help. By coming together and uniting on this message, we can build a sense of community and a feeling that you do not need to be and feel alone and fight the battles by yourself.
We know that Covid is putting incredible strain and stress on everyone in all walks of life. As individuals, we are all unique and cope with stress in our own way. Knowing that you have a support system is essential.
Do you have a buddy?
When you feel low and alone, is there a ‘buddy’ (this could be a friend, a family member, a work colleague), someone you can text or call and let them know you need their support. And vice versa, who can you be a buddy for and keep an eye out for them. How can you create a support system within your friendship groups, your work teams, and your family?
We are social beings at the end of the day, we need each other, and as we face the increasing fall out of isolation and fear that Covid has created, as well as the pressure of the digital world, and non-stop fast pace of life – being there for each other is paramount. Our sense of community might be adapting, but being there for each other in any way we can is more important than ever right now.
Building a self-care habit
One of Mindology’s guiding principles is that when we build a habit for ourselves based on self-care and well-being we give ourselves the best chance to look after ourselves. The app has several sessions that help you let go of negative emotions – CLEAR THE MIND a session to let go of negativity and the BREATHE session, which helps connect mind and body to your breathe.
And finally, when today ends, and it’s a new day tomorrow, remember the conversation doesn’t need to end, it’s ongoing. And ask yourself R u ok too? Taking care of yourself is essential so you can help take care of others too.
ABOUT CLAIRE ARISTIDES
Founder and creator of Mindology App an app to calm and empower the mindset available on apple and android. Download the app on the app store and googleplay.
Connect with us @mindology.app www.@mindology.app