Psychology Week 2019

10 November to 16 November 2019

The National Psychology Week campaign was developed by the Australian Psychological Society over a decade ago with the main aim being to build public awareness of how Psychology can help people and communities lead healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. This year, the campaign is looking to captivate a wider audience through social media to raise greater awareness and break down the stigma of mental health.

National Psychology Week on social media

Social Media will be used to share stories, resources, advice and offer a forum to engage in discussions around main issues. There will be events, festivals, workshops, forums, seminars, presentations, teas and displays hosted all over Australia to promote psychology and its contribution to the Australian community.

Keep an eye out for events near you advertised on social media!

What is the stress and wellbeing survey?

The Australian Psychological society conducts an annual Stress and Wellbeing Survey during National Psychology Week. This identifies the health and lifestyle issues of Australians, what activities and strategies they are using to become healthier, and the barriers they perceive to achieving a healthy lifestyle. Previous findings from the annual survey suggest that many people struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How to find motivation to change

This National Psychology Week, I encourage you to take a bit of time to think about your own levels of stress and wellbeing. One of the main barriers to change is motivation. Often we know where we want to be, what changes we want to make, but find it hard to do so because of motivation. Here are some tips on finding motivation:

• Set small, achievable goals that are SMART (that is, Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely).
• Reward yourself when you complete goals.
• Exercise each day, even small amounts.
• Get outside each day.
• Aim to develop a routine (set wake time, set bed time, eating regular meals).
• Self-care: sometimes small things like showering, making yourself a drink, putting make up on, dressing nicely, even getting out of bed can be a huge effort, but doing these small things for ourselves when feeling down can be a good way to build motivation. If we complete activities like this quickly, without giving ourselves time to think and hesitate, it can make it easier to take further steps such as going for a walk, going to the shops, going to the gym.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation (download the smiling mind app on your phone to check these exercises out!).
• Make the goal to do it, not to enjoy it: often we can become disinterested in things if we are feeling anxious or down. It might be easier having an aim to just do an activity rather than enjoy it.

To learn more about National Psychology Week, head to the website. If you need support changing your life, The Psych Professionals have experienced and professional clinician who can support you. Contact us now to learn more and to book an appointment.