Stressing less is easy with mates
8 October 2010
Wednesday 13 October is a day to say ‘no’ to stress and instead indulge in some stress-free activities with family, friends and colleagues.
Tamworth Mental Health Interagency will again be hosting Tamworth’s Stress Less Festival and encourages residents to come along, bring a friend, family members or work colleagues.
The morning festival will be held at the Tamworth Community Centre, starting with a half-hour walk, leaving the centre at 7 am. It will be followed by a FREE breakfast and live music for a stress free start to your day.
Rehabilitation Clinician with Hunter New England Health’s Tamworth Mental Health Service Helen Carter said it was a chance for people to show their friends how much they are appreciated.
The theme for Mental Health Month this year is ‘Good Friends help us Bounce back’.
“Friends are an important source of support through tough times providing practical help, a listening ear and information and advice,” Helen said.
“Having a strong and healthy social network is an easy way to help manage your stress levels.
“Friends come in all walks of our life and add to our sense of connection and wellbeing in the community.
She also challenged people to take the opportunity also to think about how good a friend they are.
“None of us are perfect so thinking about how you can strengthen old relationships and build on new ones is a good investment for your mental health.
“Making regular time to catch up, celebrating success in their lives, being a good listener, forgiving when needed and being loyal are all ways to make you’re your relationships are healthy and stress free.”
If you are concerned that one of your friends may have a mental health problem, talk to your GP, contact help lines such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 or you can contact 1300 699 757 for information and referral to Hunter New England Mental Health services in and around Tamworth and the New England North-West.
10 Tips to Stress Less
• Remember to get your Zzzzz’s
• Talk out your troubles
• Notice something beautiful
• De- clutter your life
• Do more of what makes you feel most alive
• Delegate
• Practice compassion
• Learn to listen and be heard
• Plan date nights with your friends
• End the day well
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216