Mental Wellbeing - R U OK?

R U OK? is an Australian non-profit mental wellbeing organisation founded in 2009 which advocates people to have conversations with others about their mental wellbeing. Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

Their goals are to:

1. Boost our confidence to meaningfully connect and ask about life’s ups and downs
2. Nurture our sense of responsibility to regularly connect and support others
3. Strengthen our sense of belonging because we know people are there for us

R U OK? assessed different mental wellbeing research and theories and found that many suggest there is power in the simplest of questions such as - “Are you OK?”. They found that there are usually three forces at play in someone at risk of mental health issues. The first force is the person thinks they’re a burden on others; the second is that they can withstand a high degree of pain; and the third is they don’t feel connected to others.
It’s this lack of connection (or lack of belonging) that R U OK? want to really prevent. By inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you OK?” and listen, they help people struggling with life feel connected and supported. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life. And asking “Are you OK?” is a great place to start.

You can find out more info on their website here

At the Eye of Horus HQ, we got together and wrote down some of our personal mental wellbeing practices to share in the spirit of R U OK? Day. If you feel you would like some more peace and connection in your life, we hope these practices inspire you.

RORI - MARKETING TEAM

My tools for mental wellbeing are:

• Morning meditation - sit down first thing for a minimum of 5 minutes. I start with deep breathing combined with a little movement through cat & cow to ease the breath into my lower lungs. I then use a mantra to clear my mind. Finally, I finish with a single pointed focus meditation and watch my thoughts. The things that persist to bubble up are my note on what I need to be mindful of that day. 

• Physically release stress and tension - if I get stressed at work, I go for a brisk walk at lunch to move the stress hormones through and come back to my calm state. Same thing at night, if I feel like I’ve had a tough day or there is something on my mind, I’ll move my body to release it. Most of the time with yoga, or if it’s bad I’ll have a sunset run and then do yoga. If I’m sick for some reason, I’ll draw or journal to express it in a non-physical way.

CHARLOTTE - SALES TEAM

• One of the most effective things that I do to help my mental wellbeing is going for a gentle walk after a stressful day or when I just need a little time for myself. I find this time helps to clear my head and also get the good endorphins flowing through my body, overall making me feel lighter a happier.

• I also like to ensure that I am active through the weeks as this helps with my overall daily mood.

• I live by the rule of: make sure you make time to do the things you enjoy and step away from everyday stresses at least once a day to give yourself room to breath.

KATIE - MARKETING TEAM

Mental wellbeing is incredibly important to me. It took a lot of hard work, investigation and support to get through severe mental illness and self sabotaging patterns that prevented me from living the life I wanted. I am proud of the skills I have learnt and have so much gratitude for life! I’d love for everyone to feel like they are heard, have someone who cares and have access to useful information.

Here’s a few resources I have come across:

• The App called ‘Calm’

• Books such as: DBT Skills Training by Marsha M. Linehan, Take Control of Your Life by Mel Robbins, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Dr. Amens Change Your Brain, You Are the Placebo by Dr Joe Dispenza.

• Mental Wellbeing Leaders: Mel Robbins, Tony Robbins, Jay Shetty, Rachel Hollis.

• Important contacts: Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Headspace.

And some practices I find helpful: 

• Watching funny Youtube videos as my theory is even if it just offers momentary laughter and joy it’s better than doing something else that makes me feel worse.

•  I LOVE being in nature. Its scientifically proven to reduce stress! Being in nature allows me to calm my mind and release endorphins through physical exercise. It also a great opportunity for me to take photographs which is a passion of mine.

• I found doing more of what brings me joy is the key to having better mental health. It’s so easy to get caught up in our day to day schedules and forget to do things that bring us joy and excitement. We all get tired and are time poor but I like to schedule in time to unwind and reflect.

•  I make my own Bath Salts, journal and meditate. At the moment I like to listen to a love meditation playlist on Spotify and drink a herbal dreamtime tea before I go to sleep.

• Another thing that really helps me is connecting with people, having meaningful conversations and hanging out with friends.

SU - MARKETING TEAM

• Being in nature and spending time with animals, especially horses lift my spirit and is very grounding. Riding through the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland helps me to unwind and relax from a stressful week. Despite their size, Horses are kind and therapeutic to be around. They teach you to have patience and learn from your mistakes, humbly.

MADI - DESIGN TEAM

• Just stepping out doors and getting into nature can completely refresh my mind, I find it a good way to gather all my thoughts and just spend some time with myself.

• Even doing exercise or just sitting at the beach is really helpful.

ANNA - DESIGN TEAM

There are a few things in my mental wellbeing self care toolkit for when times get busy!

• Time spent in nature is time well spent. The ocean is so magnificent and powerful it really helps put things into perspective.

• Catching a sunrise or sunset really reminds me that there are so many things to be grateful for.

•  In recent times I have found disconnecting from technology helps bring things back into balance. Why not read a good book instead of scrolling through your phone?

•  I find a regular morning meditation practice helps me connect back to myself when my energy is scattered and out of balance. It allows me to find some quiet in a noisy and busy day and those 20 minutes in the morning have become a sacred time that I have all to myself.

•  Surround yourself with gentle and loving people! When times are tough I find calling a good friend to talk it out really helps. Sometimes you can get so stuck in your own thoughts it’s good to have another perspective from someone who knows and loves you.

• Taking a road trip with my partner and finding a new adventure together.

•  Doing something nice for yourself. Get a massage and treat yourself!

CAIT - MARKETING TEAM

I am grateful for my mental wellbeing and I feel that I owe it to the perspectives and beliefs I have discovered and developed along my soul’s journey.

In particular the perspective that we are all connected as One from the same Source. This means looking beyond our individual mind, body, soul constructs, and seeing everything as an extension and expression of this One Loving Source. Seeing my true self as everyone and everything means that I have a deep sense of connection to all which brings me peace.

And the belief that everything that happens, whether seemingly negative or positive, is always for the highest good of all (the awakening and raising of human consciousness).

What are your mental wellbeing practices? Write into us and let us know at contact@eyeofhoruscosmetics.com. We’d love to hear from you, and we do hope U R OK!