Five Ways to Wellbeing

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week!  This year’s theme is “Top up together”, which emphasises the importance of connecting with others and incorporating the Five Ways to Wellbeing into daily life.

1. Connect

Connection keeps our racing community thriving.

In racing, it is not just about the hard work, the animals and the wins, it’s about the people. Connection is the heart of our wellbeing and keeps our industry strong on and off the track.

• Share a laugh
• Sit down for a meal with family and/or mates
• Send a quick message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Ask a workmate what the highlight of their day was

Small moments of connection make a big difference. How will you connect with others today?

2. Give

“A small act of giving can make a big difference.”

It doesn’t have to be big, a smile, a hand with a job, or asking “you good?” can lift someone’s day (and yours too). When you give your time, your words, or your presence, they benefit and you feel happier as well.

Remember to give to yourself too, take a break, go easy on yourself, spend time with family.

• Maybe you could feed a mate’s animals so they can take a day off.
• Speak up and back someone who’s copping it.

What is one small way you will give to others today (or this week)?

3. Be Active

What steps will you take toward being active today?  

Moving your body isn’t just good for fitness, it is a powerful mood booster too. Many roles in the racing industry are very physical already, but what do you enjoy doing to keep active outside your day to day work?

It doesn’t need to be a “workout”, just a bit more movement in the day. Do what you can, enjoy what you do and shift your mood.

Being active helps reduce stress and lifts your wellbeing. What is one way you might get moving this week?

4. Take Notice

We all get busy and our minds get cluttered.

Each day, take a few minutes to pause and think about what you really appreciate. It might be as simple as listening to the sound of hooves, the dogs settling in the kennels, the birds at first light or pausing to watch the sun setting at the end of the day. Paying attention to simple things like these steadies the mind and helps you relax.

What will you take notice of today?  

5. Keep Learning

At any age, learning something new keeps your brain sharp and your thinking open.

In racing, being curious, on and off the track, in the stables/kennels, and at home, can help  you work smarter and safer.

Try new things, spot opportunities, surprise yourself. Learning keeps your skills sharp – it could be a hobby that gives your head a breather. It builds confidence, gives a sense of achievement, and lifts your wellbeing.

What’s one new thing you’ll learn this week?