During October, the Iris Foundation is encouraging Coasties to take up the Tune In For Ten challenge for Mental Health Month.
The challenge is simple – every day for 10 days, tune into other people and find ways to give.
Brighten someone’s day – that someone can even be you.
“It is well known that giving and helping others can reduce stress, minimise depression and provide a sense of purpose,” a spokesperson said.
“Taking time to ‘tune in’ to other people creates significant benefits to emotional well-being and happiness for all involved.
“Create an action for 10 days and it will not only start to stick, but also you will start to see benefits from those actions.
“Giving doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to make an impact.
“A short note of encouragement has the power to change someone’s day, as does a simple smile.
“Tuning in means being present, actively connecting with yourself, the people around you and the wider community.
“Giving to others is one way that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections.
“It can really make a difference, especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.
“For the giver, it can bring new perspective to their own circumstances, creating deeper connections and a more positive outlook.
“Iris Foundation is deeply committed to strengthening connections as a means to reducing the risk of poor mental health and suicide,” Executive Officer Sue Liptrott said.
“A lot of people are doing it tough right now, and ‘Tune In for Ten’ is a good reminder to check in with those we care about.”
Some simple actions which could be taken include: send a hand written note to someone that inspires you and tell them why; say hello to three strangers and give a smile; do something unexpected and special for someone you love; let cars merge in front of you with a gracious nod; do something nice for your neighbour; listen without distractions; call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while’ pick up five pieces of rubbish; let someone go ahead of you in line; buy the person behind you a coffee; leave an encouraging note on a car windscreen; plan a surprise for someone; give a genuine compliment to strangers; thank someone who does a hard job that most people wouldn’t do; send a text to someone you appreciate to say you are thinking of them; give food to a local community centre/church food bank; give five things you no longer need to a charity; send a note/card to someone who is going through a challenging time; make something for someone; bring your co-workers a treat; go through the day trying not to say anything negative; ask someone how their day is and really listen.
Source:
Media release, Oct 1
Iris Foundation