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How to land a job with zero experience

no experience no worries! Finding your first job

Searching for your first job or trying to grow your career and land a permanent gig is tough! Sure there are hundreds of jobs around but who’s going to hire you when you have zero experience? After endless applications it feels like you’ll never find a job.

It doesn’t help when it seems like every job ad you find reads something like: “Entry level retail position, perfect for recent PHD graduates with 40 years of experience in quantum physics. Must have a personal reference from Beyoncé and be willing to work 24/7. This is an intern position so will be unpaid, but for the right applicant may progress to paid work!”

Jobs I'm qualified for
When you’re on a job hunt, finding the right position can feel impossible.

Ok so we may have exaggerated a little bit, but come on, we’ve all been here right? Don’t give up yet. Take a break from stress scrolling seek, breathe in deep and keep reading. Here are our top tips to finding a job when you don’t have experience.

1: There’s no such thing as zero experience

It’s hard not to get down on yourself during a job search, especially if it feels like everyone else is miles ahead of you, but trust us, you’ve got skills and experience to leverage even if you don’t realise it. No really- hear us out!

Maybe you’ve done some babysitting, looked after siblings, or mowed lawns. You might have been part of some clubs or activities at school, worked on class projects or volunteered. This all experience you can put on your resume.

Each of these experiences have helped you grow and develop transferrable skills in time management, teamwork, organisation, decision making and more. Show this off in your resume and highlight how this experience (however small) will help you add value to the workplace.

2: Attitude is EVERYTHING

If you really feel like you have absolutely no experience whatsoever that’s ok. When you’re applying for entry level jobs, employers are looking for someone who’s willing to learn, can follow instructions and will always try as hard as they can.

Make your lack of experience work for you on your application and take the time to highlight what you can bring to this job that no one else can- your great attitude and total commitment to learning and growing.

On that note, don’t underestimate the benefit of keeping a positive attitude through your job search. Looking for work is HARD. If you’ve been at it for a while and have received a rejection or two that can get tiring after a while and take its toll. It’s not personal, you’re doing the best you can, so give yourself some credit. Keep reminding yourself that you WILL find a job because YOU ARE AMAZING.

Applying for work can be a long and lonely road, but you’ve got this!

Not sure where to start with your job application? Check out our advice on writing a resume and our complete breakdown of cover letters.

3: Make your network work!

Ever heard the saying it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? This does hold a bit of truth to it. Having someone introduce you to an employer directly is much more valuable than unsolicited job applications.

Your network of friends, family, former teachers and community members are your biggest cheerleaders and between them all, they’re bound to know an employer who is dying to meet you.

Reach out to your network and ask if they know of any available positions or have any contacts, recommendations or introductions they can make for you to help you get your foot in the door. While asking for their help might feel daunting at first, remember, these people care about you and want to see you succeed. You’d do the exact same for them.

4: Hit the books

There’s no doubt about it, life experience is extremely beneficial when it comes to landing a job, but you can’t underestimate the importance of education and training either.

Depending on the job you want, you may need to get certain tickets or qualifications to be considered for a position, experience or not. Some of this training and accreditation can take a day or two (like getting your responsible service of alcohol) and others require a longer term commitment (like a certificate or a degree).

There’s a huge range of options to suit you, and don’t be freaked out if studying isn’t your thing- not all learning is sitting in a classroom and taking tests. The first place to start is to think about what kind of a job you want, and then see if there are any qualifications required to do it. Take it one step at a time.

If you’re aged 17-24, you may be able to study a free or low-fee course through the Australian Government initiative JobTrainer.

5: Everybody’s gotta start somewhere

How good would it be to land a job that pays 6 million dollars and all you have to do is play with puppies all day? Amazing right?! Realistic? Not so much, but hey if you find that job, let us know.

Be realistic in your plans. Take stock of where you’re at with your skills, experience and life stage and apply for jobs within your reach. Give yourself the best chance of succeeding and see every job as an opportunity to learn and grow.

We’re not saying settle for less than you deserve, (or are legally entitled to – make sure your know your rights) but don’t expect to be a high flyer your first day on the job either. Every job, volunteer position or training opportunity will lead to something bigger and help you get to where you want to be.

7: Find the right support

Having a great support network to lift you up is important in any job search. From resume writing, education and training, interview prep and beyond, we’ve got your back to help you find a job (and keep it).

Find out more about how our Inclusive Employment Australia program can support you to find work or complete the form below to get started.

READY TO FIND WORK?

Send us a message or  call us now on 1300 139 920

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National Homelessness Week 2023: Our thanks to Blackshaw Coastal’s Winter Appeal

We are grateful to announce the success of the Winter Appeal organised by Blackshaw Coastal in support of Campbell Page’s Youth Homelessness programs. This National Homelessness Week 7-13 August 2023, we celebrate the immense impact made by their efforts in providing vital support to those in need during this winter season.

Thanks to the unwavering support from our community, the Winter Appeal has helped more than 150 individuals and 22 families by providing them with essential food and warm goods. These contributions have undoubtedly made a significant difference in their lives during this challenging time.  These valuable donations helped to meet local people’s immediate needs, with 85% reaching recipients within the week.

As we observe National Homelessness Week, let’s also take a moment to reflect on some startling homelessness statistics in Australia. On any given night, 122,494 people experience homelessness, with one in seven being children under 12. Shockingly, almost one in four individuals experiencing homelessness are young people aged between 12 and 24, and one in five are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Homelessness is not just about “rooflessness.” A mere 6.2% of people without homes sleep rough, while the majority of homelessness remains hidden in crisis accommodation, rooming houses, insecure housing, overcrowded dwellings, or couch surfing.

The demand for homelessness services remains pressing. In 2021-22, 272,700 people were supported by these services, but sadly, another 105,000 people were unable to receive help due to shortages of staff, accommodation, or other services. Every day, 300 people are turned away because the resources are overstretched.

Understanding the reasons behind homelessness is crucial in finding sustainable solutions. Over half of the people seeking homelessness services attribute housing or financial issues, such as unaffordable rents, as their primary reason for seeking help. Additionally, 28% cite family violence or other forms of abuse as the main cause, while other family relationship issues and other factors contribute to the remaining percentages.

To combat homelessness effectively, we must work together to provide those in need with three fundamental elements: adequate incomes, secure housing, and protection from violence and abuse. By addressing these critical needs, we can take substantial steps towards ending homelessness in our community.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Winter Appeal, and to Blackshaw Coastal for organising and running the Appeal, and we encourage all of you to continue supporting the cause throughout the year. Together, we can create a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness and pave the way for a more compassionate society.

Let’s stand united in our efforts to end homelessness. 

#NationalHomelessnessWeek #BlackshawCoastal #WinterAppeal #CampbellPageYouthHomelessness #EndHomelessness #SupportingOurCommunity

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Award-winning Employment NFP’s, Campbell Page and VERTO to join

Campbell Page is pleased to announce it will be joining The VERTO Group, to create a vibrant new comprehensive employment services organisation, early in the new 2024 financial year. 

The two highly regarded organisations are united through their common purpose, mission and values. They stem from similar origins in regional New South Wales, creating meaningful employment options and social impact. 

Beginning in 1985, Campbell Page, began as a youth organisation in Narooma developing a range of employment, community and commercial services focused on our vision that people can thrive by getting a job (and keeping it) 

VERTO similarly began in the 1980’s in Bathurst, NSW and is also a not-for-profit organisation, whose vision is to reduce the disadvantage often associated with unemployment through the employment, training and community services programs they deliver. 

“It is exciting to see two award-winning not-for-profits coming together to create a larger and stronger employment, training and community services group, creating employment pathways for even more of Australia’s most complex and disadvantaged communities” says Nell Anderson, Chair of Campbell Page. “Campbell Page and VERTO together will create new opportunities and provide access to expertise and resources to help us make an even bigger difference to the people and communities we serve”. 

Campbell Page will continue to operate under its own leadership and brand, so it will be business as usual for customers, partners and our staff. 

“The Board is very confident that the change of ownership will provide Campbell Page with greater financial strength, expertise and the scale of being part of a larger organisation. We have exciting plans for our future and these are strengthened working with The VERTO Group.” Added Anderson. 

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Summer programs with Campbell Page

A group of people enjoying a Campbell Page event on the NSW South Coast

Our Indigenous, Youth and Family teams have been making the most of the summer weather to bring a range of fun, free activities, events and workshops to locals on the NSW South Coast. Read on to find out about some of the awesome things we’ve been up to over the school holidays.

Summer Beats Block Party

We were thrilled to be a part of the Summer Beats Block Party in Moruya along with our partners and other local organisations including Eurobodalla Shire Council, The Family Place , Headspace Batemans Bay, Katungul ACRHCS and PCYC Far South Coast.

Our team put on a heap of activities including water cannons to keep cool, a tie-dye workshop and other fun games and we loved checking out the other awesome things on offer like the local musicians and skate workshop.

Keep an eye on Campbell Page Facebook to see when we’re running more great events!

Eden Canoes holiday program

In this week- long holiday program, 3 young boys got the opportunity to build and paint two canoes with their own designs, led by Indigenous mentors who are expert craftsmen.

Not only did they learn the hands-on skills to build a canoe and get a feel for woodworking, it allowed them to connect with their peers and mentors in a meaningful way. It also allowed them to explore the local environment and waterways with their creations. Creating opportunities for young people to have meaningful connection to culture and country through safe and healthy relationships supports them to thrive. We couldn’t be prouder of the work these young people have put in.

If you’d like to find out more about our canoe building program, contact: Mo************@**************rg.au

Way Ahead Program Pizza Party

Our Way Ahead program hosted a pizza party at Moruya High where year 7 students and their families were able to have a crack at making their own wood fired pizzas! It was a great way to meet and make new friends before the start of the school term and to share some delicious food.

Way Ahead is an in-school coaching program designed to help students imagine, create, build and live their best lives. You can find more info on our Way Ahead program here.

Open Arms for Young Parents

Our ongoing young parents group had its first meetup for 2023, enjoying an afternoon at the new Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay. It was an absolute hit with the little ones, no one wanted to leave!

Open Arms for Young Parents meet weekly to support parents with young children to socially connect and support their parenting journey. They meet in various locations in the Eurobodalla Shire. If you’d like more information on Open Arms for Young Parents, contact An*************@**************rg.au

Hangtime Skate Comp

Creativity and concrete collided at the Hangtime skate comp in Pambula. A chance for young people to show off their skills and take part in a range of other activities including an interactive art workshop, crafts, games, basketball plus heaps more. There was delicious pizza for all to enjoy provided by South Coast Eats and drinks provided by youth volunteers alongside Bega Valley Shire Council.

It was all hands on deck to dry the park after two rainfalls, from young people to workers and event volunteers! We had participants young and old engage in the skate comp riding skateboards, scooters and roller skates! A big shout out to all of our partners and donors on the NSW South Coast for making this event possible.

If you’d like to find out more about our youth programs on the NSW South Coast contact Mo************@**************rg.au

We can’t wait to run even more events and programs in 2023! Supporting local communities to thrive is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re working in collaboration with community and the locals who live in them to create a range of initiatives to bring people together and provide opportunities for community and connection. If you’d like to find out more, visit our youth and family programs page or visit our about us page.

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ParentsNext supporting families every step of the way

Shiana has been working hard to achieve her dream of becoming a Lawyer and she’s well on her way! Through the ParentsNext program she’s received tailored support and guidance and has put her plans into action, finding work, starting study and smashing her goals. As a mum of three, it hasn’t always been an easy journey balancing being a parent and building the life she wants.

I would never have imagined I would be in the position I am in today!

Shiana, ParentsNext customer


When we first met Shiana in 2019, she dreamt of a better life for herself and her children. She wanted to find work – and one day study to become a Lawyer – but she didn’t know where to start and was looking for some extra support. She was also in a difficult relationship and had unstable housing which was causing a lot of stress. Things escalated and as a result, she and her two children could no longer stay.

After being kicked out of the house they were living in, she called her ParentsNext Coach, Kiriana, who immediately took Shiana and her kids out for milkshakes where they created a plan to access emergency accommodation and essential items – a big relief to know she had somewhere safe to stay with her family.

Fast forward and now a mum of three after welcoming a baby boy, Shiana has been employed since February 2022 and is enjoying the financial security her job brings and learning more skills to open up future job opportunities. She is also well on her way to becoming a Lawyer, enrolling in Certificate III in Legal Studies. Through our ParentsNext program we were able to provide funding for a laptop, so Shiana can complete her studies from home flexibly.

The ParentsNext program has helped me with my wellbeing, and career choices. I have been brought out of my comfort zone, and I now believe I can achieve things that I want to do in life.

Shiana, ParentsNext customer

We’re so thrilled to be able to support Shiana to achieve her goals and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. ParentsNext provides practical and tailored support for parents to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals. Ready to take the next step? Check out our ParentsNext page for more info or give our team a call on 1300 139 920 to find out more.

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Helpful tips for the holidays

Cartoon presents on spotted background

The holidays can be a hard time for anyone, at any point in life. This can be for many reasons including a lot of change or unknowns heading into the new year, financial pressures, strained relationships, or family expectations that can get intense during holiday periods. You may even enjoy the holidays but aren’t able to celebrate how you’d like to or won’t be with family and friends which can be disappointing and lonely.

Whatever the reason, we’ve rounded up some key tips for coping with stress and other emotions that can pop up over the silly season.

1: Acknowledge your feelings

Holidays can bring up a lot of emotions and are often a time for reflection, so it can be tricky to feel positive at this time. If someone close to you has passed away, you have strained relationships, or you can’t be with your loved ones this year it’s normal to feel some sadness and grief.

You can’t force yourself to be happy. It’s okay to express how you’re feeling and allow yourself to be upset. It’s a lot better than bottling your feelings up. Try writing down what it is you’re feeling or chat to a friend or trusted person. There’s always someone to listen.

2: Find what works for you

Remember, the holidays don’t have to be perfect. In fact, for most people there are often a few bumps along the way, regardless of what you see people post on Facebook! Our families grow and change and so do our traditions and rituals together. So, it often means we don’t get to spend holidays all together anymore, and that can be really hard.

If you can’t celebrate the way you’d like to this year, try organising a catch-up online, share photos and videos from your day, or find new ways (or dates) to celebrate together. You could even organize to catch up with friends instead, or even volunteer to give back to your local community.

Volunteering is a great way to spend time with people and help others

If you feel you don’t have anywhere or anyone to spend the day with, or you’re experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, there are a range of events hosted by local community organisations and religious groups that can welcome you for a yummy meal and festive celebrations.

3: Give from the heart

Holidays can be expensive, and money is a huge stressor at this time of year. Before you do any food or gift shopping, decide how much you can afford. Then stick to that budget. Overspending will end up causing more guilt and stress.

Try purchasing gifts at a local charity shop, making something homemade, or suggesting a catch-up at home rather than expensive eating out. Remember it’s absolutely the thought that counts. We guarantee people will enjoy your company or something thoughtful you’ve made much more than an expensive gift.

If you need help to pay for food and gifts, check out the Salvation Army’s food hamper and gift assistance scheme.

4: Take a break

Make some time for yourself, so when things get busy or overwhelming you’ve got some time to reset. Even taking 15 minutes for yourself with no distractions is a great way to reset your emotions.

Find something that helps with your stress levels by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or listening to a podcast find something that works for you.

Take a break, you deserve it!

Looking for more ways to relax? Read our blog to find out how you can tune into your senses.

5: Reach out

If you’re feeling lonely, isolated, or overwhelmed this Christmas know that you’re not alone, no matter how it feels right now.

Reach out to a friend, family member either in person or via phone or video chat and talk about how you’re feeling or get involved with a community organisation to grow your social connections.

If you’ve been feeling this way for a while, book an appointment with your GP to access mental health support. If you’re experiencing crisis, and don’t know where to turn, we’ve compiled a list of resources you can access this holiday period. Remember, you matter, things can get better, and help is always available.

Have a safe and happy holiday. A reminder that our offices will be closed until 9 am 3 January 2023. We look forward to supporting our customers in the new year.

Images: Shutterstock

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Creating local jobs with Belgravia Apparel

Campbell Page customer Tony shows the stock management skills he has learnt with new employer, Belgravia Sports Apparel

Belgravia Apparel and Campbell Page have partnered up to provide sustainable jobs for not one, not two but seven Adelaide locals who live with a disability.  

Too often, hardworking, and motivated people are overlooked because they live with a disability. There are 2.1 million Australians of working age with disability. Of these, just under half were employed (47.8%), compared with 80.3% of people without disability (source: Australian Network on Disability) 

Our customers have been settling into their new roles and performing a range of tasks including quality control, using equipment such as heat transfer presses, packing orders, retail support and applying logos and personalisation’s for a range of Belgravia’s clients. 

 “You get to learn all aspects of the manufacturing industry” – Dani, Campbell Page Customer 

Campbell Page customer Adrian has been enjoying a range of tasks in his new job, including creating logo for Belgravia Apparel.

Future job opportunities

Three of the seven recruits have also been given further training opportunities since starting work. They are now studying nationally recognized certificates in Supply Chain Management or Process Manufacturing. 

“Being able to develop skills and support the long-term future of these colleagues is very rewarding for us” – Belgravia Apparel Supply Chain Manager, Stephen Ladley.  

Along with learning new skills, they’re also enjoying all the perks that come with finding a job. Meeting new people, more financial independence, and building their confidence in the workplace thanks to a supportive and understanding employer.  

 “It feels like [working with] family. It’s a supportive environment.” – Adrian, Campbell Page Customer. 

Creating recruitment solutions

The partnership has also eased recruitment frustrations and supported business growth for Belgravia Apparel, who were struggling to find high quality candidates. They were relying on referrals or advertising through online job boards to find employees that unfortunately, just weren’t the right fit.  

L-R Stephen & Emma from Belgravia Apparel, with Campbell Page customers Sherilee, Tony & Adrian.

“There was a significant number of lost hours trying to resolve recruitment. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome from the partnership. By understanding our culture, our business operations and regularly checking in with us, our expectations have been exceeded”- Belgravia Apparel Supply Chain Manager, Stephen Ladley.  

We’re thrilled to be working with Belgravia Apparel to create sustainable jobs for local people as well as providing ongoing training and support to our Campbell Page customers.

Whether you’re living with a disability and looking for work, or are looking to hire staff for your business, Campbell Page can help. We don’t just team up with you, we get in your corner and find the solution that’s right for you.

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Send us a message or call our friendly team on 1300 139 920 to get started. 

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Tune Into Stigma this Mental Health Month

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1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness every year, and 45 percent of Australian adults will be affected by mental illness at some time in their life, but even with a high proportion of the population experiencing it, mental health is still something that’s shrouded in secrecy, shame, misunderstandings and assumptions. 

This mental health month tune in to stigma by becoming aware of the biases, prejudice and stereotypes that still surround mental health so that we can challenge it. Until we talk about it- nothing changes.  

So, how exactly can you tune in to stigma? Here are our top tips.

1: Challenge negative ideas around mental health

You might have heard (or even been on the receiving end) of one of these statements:

“People who need therapy are weak”

 “You can’t work if you have a mental illness”

“It’s all about attitude, you just need to be more positive!”

“They’re not sick, they’re just being lazy”

Sound familiar? You never know what someone is going through, and statements like these, (however casually said) send the message to people who are struggling that they’re on their own, the way their feeling is their own fault, their feelings don’t matter or that the person who has said something like this can’t be trusted to listen or doesn’t care.

Therapy is an important tool that even people without a diagnosed condition can benefit from. It’s possible to lead a happy and fulfilling life with a mental illness including keeping a job and it’s not just about having a positive attitude. By standing up and challenging these assumptions (or even considering our own internal biases) we can help create a more accepting space to talk openly about our struggles and potentially save a life.

2: Address the stereotypes around mental health

Think about some of the common stereotypes about mental illness and find different ways of looking at things.

For example, one stereotype about people with a mental health condition is that they are lazy. Instead of this negative stereotype, think about the different things someone might be experiencing that could lead to them feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Often dealing with the symptoms of mental ill-health takes a lot of internal energy, making it difficult to do everyday tasks. Whilst this may be perceived as laziness from the outside, what we don’t see is that an individual is doing a lot of hard work that is invisible to the outside. 

Check out this video for some helpful tips (link to spell check yourself)

2: Get talking about mental health and wellbeing

We’re all leading busy and sometimes stressful lives which means we need to look after our own mental health and wellbeing.  So talking to someone you trust is a great way to let off some steam, let go of your anxiousness or sadness and build a connection.

Make it a habit to ask those around you how they’re doing and be honest with others about your own situation. It might feel awkward or even scary, but the more we discuss our feelings – good and bad – the less they’re likely to overwhelm us. When you share you’re experience it can encourage others to do the same.

Not sure how to have the conversation? Check out RUOK? Day for some great tips.

3: Change the language you use

The words we use matter. Describing something as “crazy” or “mad” or using condition specific phrases like “I’m so OCD” can be harmful to someone without you even realising it.

Be aware of the language you use, especially around mental health, and try and challenge yourself not to use stigmatising language and encourage others not to use it too. 

4: Listen to people with lived experience

There’s lots to learn about mental health. So a great place to start is learning from people who have a lived experience with a mental health condition. It doesn’t have to be a formal sit down and you don’t have to look far.

You can find peoples experiences through podcasts, YouTube, TikToks, blogs and more. The key here is going in with the willingness to learn and empathise. Not sure where to start? Check out Abi’s experience with Depression.

If you are living with a mental health condition and need support to find work (and keep it), Campbell Page is here to help.

We’ve got your back through every step of the job search process and can connect you to the support services you need to manage your health condition.

Send us a message and we’ll will be in touch shortly, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

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Tune in to Community this Mental Health Month

The last couple of years have been full of uncertainty, stress, isolation and feelings of loneliness which can all negatively impact our mental health.

Community and connection matters when it comes to mental health. Having strong ties with our family, friends and the wider community can help us feel happier and more supported through tough times. Here are our top tips to stay connected and tune in to community (even if it’s from a distance).

1. Ring ring

Pick up the phone or tech it up a little with FaceTime. Talking to your nearest and dearest will instantly boost your mood and take your mind off that white loungeroom wall in front of you.

2. Carve it out & keep it regular

How many times have you said to a friend “we should catch up” and it just never happens? It’s easy for to do lists, life, work or study to just get on top of you. Make sure you’re carving out time for fun and connection regularly, even if it’s just a quick cuppa. The list of jobs can wait! Your wellbeing can’t.  

3. Send it

Snail mail isn’t dead! There is nothing more personal (and surprising) than receiving a handwritten letter in the mail these days. Want to step it up a notch? Put together a care parcel. The gesture could really make their day knowing that someone cares.

4. Join an interest group

Love knitting? Started hiking your local areas lately? There are a huge range of local interest groups for every hobby where you can meet like-minded people while doing something that makes your soul sing! Google some options in your local area and look out for virtual catch ups.

5. Get Zooming

The options are endless. Join a dinner party, host a murder mystery party, schedule in a weekly trivia session, test your skills in cards, put your gut feels to the test with two truths and a lie, challenge the others with charades, home scavenger hunts… shall we continue? The connection that comes from seeing people (even through a screen) can be hugely beneficial.

6. Better out than in

No matter what method you choose to connect with your friends or family, sharing your struggles, concerns or just having a vent can help you process your feelings and help you move forward.

Not sure who to talk to?

Support is available through https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling Lifeline 13 11 14  or talk to your GP directly about a plan for your mental health.

October is Mental Health Month. A month that encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have lived experience of mental illness or not. It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives.

Images: Pinterest

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Tune in to your senses this Mental Health Month

Have you ever had one of those days where everyone and everything annoys you? Maybe your day has been jam-packed with a long list of things that you HAVE to get done? Or you’re just feeling a bit off, but you don’t know why? Stop and take a breath. It sounds like it’s time to tune in to your senses and look after yourself.

Tuning in to your senses is about taking a moment to be present, aware and mindful of the way we feel. Regularly “checking in” with our emotions and how we’re feeling can help you focus your mind, get a new perspective, relax or feel more connected.

Not sure how to get started? We’ve done the hard yards and rounded up a list of tips you can turn to when life gets a little overwhelming or you just need to take ten to get zen.

1. Take 5

We know, we know! In between that big long to-do, kids, study, cleaning the house, cooking dinner and work- who has time to for anything, let alone indulging in some rest and relaxation. But the busy pace of life is exactly why we need to take a beat, pause and make sure we’re ok before we get back to the daily grind.

Tuning in to your senses doesn’t have to take forever. Take a single mindful minute (or 5 if you need it) out of your day. You can always add more if you need them.

2. Be curious

An easy way to start tuning in is to get curious with your own. Beyond Blue suggests asking yourself three key questions:

• ‘How am I feeling?’ (i.e. angry, sad, happy)
• ‘What emotions am I experiencing’ (i.e. offended, lonely, loved)
• ‘How are they affecting me’ (i.e. are these emotions giving you physical symptoms too)

Starting by just identifying what you’re feeling and letting yourself acknowledge it is the first step to feeling better. If you need immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or talk to your GP about finding support to work through your emotions.

3. Get Appy

What’s one thing most of us never have more than an arm’s reach away – our phones! So, it makes total sense to have the resources you need on it!

There’s a huge range of both free and paid apps available for download that can help guide you to tune in to your senses and support your wellbeing like journaling, meditation and emotion identification. We love Calm, Mood App, Daylio and MoodMission

4. Say yes to Yoga

Yoga builds strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body. Although there are so many different types of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and postures or poses that stretch and flex various muscle groups and encourage mental clarity and calmness – and common, who doesn’t need that?!

Can’t get to a class? There’s a range of great free online resources to help you exercise at home such as Yoga with Adrienne.

5. Meditation (guided or unguided)

Meditation trains you in awareness and helps get a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And in time, you may start to better understand them as well. It’s hard to shut your brain off from over thinking but keep practicing – after all, they say it makes perfect.

It can be pretty intimidating going it alone. There are a range of guided meditations to help you get into the swing of things. We love the Headspace meditation app.
Want to kick it up a notch? Add some calming smells by lighting your favourite scented candle or adding in some aromatherapy (use of essential oils) in a diffusers or aromatic spritzer. If it makes you feel better- we say go for it!

6. Breathe it out

Deep breathing for even just 1 minute can have a huge effect at calming down the body and releasing happy hormones. The 4-7-8 technique is a great place to start and something you can do whenever and wherever you need to.
Try it out! Here’s how to do it:

• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds (yep! Hold it)
• Breathe out for 8 seconds
• Repeat this process for a minute (or as long as you need to).

7. Picasso is that you?

Art comes in so many different shapes and sizes, but you don’t have to be Picasso to reap the benefits! And that’s why it’s no surprise, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress and work through their emotions. Join a group and meet some like minded people in the process or go it alone. Painting, writing, knitting, woodwork, photography, drawing – it’s all good!

October is Mental Health Month. A month that encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have lived experience of mental illness or not. It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives.

Images: Pinterest, quickmeme, Coffeeme.me