I mean, really - doing nothing. Taking a moment out for yourself, meditating on life, reflecting on your day, getting to that yoga session or enjoying the sounds and sights of your immediate environment. And this is only getting harder. In fact, it’s estimated that on average, we have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts each day.
So what else do we know?
- Mental illness is actually very common, with nearly half (45%) of the population experiencing a mental disorder at some stage in their lives.
- In Australia, 20% of adults are affected by some form of mental disorder every year.
- Anxiety disorders affect around 14% of the adult population in any 12 month period.
And stress doesn’t just affect our anxiety levels, but as a doctor I see that it affects our immune system, our risk of many serious diseases and as a nation - our productivity and hip pockets. The cost of mental illness to Australian businesses alone is thought to be in the order of $10.6 billion (that’s a B) annually.
The important final piece of the puzzle though, is that we can all do a lot to increase our own resilience to mental illness and in particular, reduce anxiety.
Mindful me
Called #7Days7Ways, the mindfulness journey kicks off Monday (16th Feb) and will see me receive daily reminders to slow down, rest my thoughts and increase mental resilience.
Each day for 7 consecutive days, I will be focusing on a different aspect of mindfulness - all guided through daily emails and social media. Covering topics like mindful eating, gratitude, balance, mindful moments and more, it’s a no-brainer for any modern thinker.
For me, this is more than just about supporting a great group trying to improve our community’s mental health, or raising awareness for a common but stigmatised group of illnesses - it’s also about practising what I find hardest. Join me.
Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit web and App-based program developed by a group of specialised psychologists with combined expertise in youth and adolescent therapy, Mindfulness Meditation and online wellness programs. Smiling Mind’s vision is to see Mindfulness Meditation on the Australian Curriculum by 2020.
For more, visit their website or sign up for 7Days7Ways.
Alessandro R Demaio does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.
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