How this Toolkit will improve the well-being of MSB Students

This post wraps up everything on this blog. Like I said in my introduction I created this blog to help students improve their overall well-being through physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual health. I really hope that the content will help you in any way possible and that you now have a better knowledge about yourself, and how to improve your quality of life. I gained a lot of knowledge too from writing this blog about mental health, and the things I do without realising that is has a positive or damaging effect on my health.

Our well-being is extremely important in living a healthy quality of life and improving the five elements of health. I incorporated tips and my experiences in regards to social, mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health especially in my nine part, combating stress series. Stress and mental health is also a huge part of this blog as it impacts the lives of many teenagers (whom were my targeted audience), that is why I felt it was necessary to take a deeper look into these two topics.

To view the whole blog from the start click April - Welcome in the archive on the right hand side of this blog. The blog posts have been posted in order.

Hope you enjoyed this toolkit and it has helped to improve your well-being, as I had looks of fun writing and taking photos for the post. I will now leave you with a quote that sums up this blog and well-being.

"Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit - the realisation that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being" - Greg Anderson

Attitudes Towards Mental Health

There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness and it is a sensitive topic. This is surprising because 1 in 4 Australians aged 16-24 have suffered with a mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the biggest two mental disorders.

Over one million adults and 100,000 young people suffer with depression each year. With females being effected more than males. So clearly mental illness and disorders are not uncommon, they are actually very prevalent and we need to accept this. Chances are you either know someone with a mental disorder or you have one yourself.
We need to develop a positive attitude towards mental health, be educated on the types of illnesses, how to get help and overcome a disorder and spreading awareness.

For more information on mental health disorders click here to read my previous post.
There are many ways to get help and I have two posts on this. One is about support networks and the other is reaching out.
Check out my combating stress series on my blog archive on the right side, because combating stress can prevent mental disorders.

Lets work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health disorders because this is an important issue that needs to be accepted and addressed to more people.

Round Up On Combating Stress #9

The last installment in my combating stress series. As we have learnt stress has a big impact on our health and it is important to try and relieve stress when you notice symptoms and signs. Here is a round up and overview of my ways to combat stress

Pampering 

My favourite way to pamper myself is to use a Lush bath product, and watch a TV show while soaking.

Listening to Music 

I created a playlist that I have been listening to and enjoying feel free to check it out.

Exercise

I give you some options of fun ways to stay fit. Because a healthy body = a healthy mind. I talk about endorphins and how exercising has a good effect on your mind.

Movies

A great way to relax and focus on something other than what is causing you to stress. I give you a list of my favourite films, mostly Disney :)

Organisation and Cleaning

Definitely an essential part in preventing stress, is to have an organised mind, work space and life. Cleaning also helps your physical health and can be therapeutic.

Beauty Products

Makes us fell more confident and relaxed. I show you some of my most used beauty products.

Cooking - Snacks

A list and instructions for 5 healthy snacks using five basic ingredients that are really good for you.

Cooking - Treats

Two 'recipes' that are not so good for you but chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins and these hormones make us feel happy. Yep chocolate is in some way good for you! Thank you science.

I hope these tips help you in combating stress and taking control of your life.

Six Way to Wellbeing

Combating Stress #8 - Cooking (treats)

The second installment of my combating stress with cooking - the treats edition is here!

I have two of my favourites to share. And I might add that one of them is quite naughty but hey it's a treat and if it makes us feel better than way not! Remember to eat these in moderation along side healthy snacks (see post) and regular exercise (here).

So with out further ado here is the one and only....

5 Minute Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

- 4 tablespoons of plain flour

- 4 tablespoons of sugar

- 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

- 3 tablespoons of milk

- 3 tablespoons of oil (vegetable, peanut etc.)

- 3 tablespoons of chocolate

- Splash of vanilla extracts (or mint, caramel, orange, rose!)

Sauce:

- Drinking chocolate powder

- Milk

- Icing sugar (to sprinkle top of cake)

Method:

Measure out all ingredients

Mix dry ingredients into a large mug.

Add wet ingredients, mix. Then add chopped chocolate and mix.

Put it in the microwave for 3 minutes on 100%

In a cup mix 2 tablespoons of drinking chocolate powder with 3 teaspoons of milk. Mix well until it turns into a sauce consistency.

Use a knife to detach the cake from the mug and turn it out onto a plate. Poke some holes in the top.

Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the cake. Some of the sauce should soak into the cake.

Dust with icing sugar and serve.

I shared this with my sister and we definitely enjoyed it! (A LOT)

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A less decedent and guilty treat is simply a few squares of your favourite chocolate and a cup of tea. This chocolate is my favourite right now although it was a gift from a friend when she returned from over seas, so I can't get it here. I would usually enjoy some dark chocolate because it is healthier and a little bit satisfies my sweet tooth. 

One of my all time favourite teas is Strawberries and Cream, though Southern Sunrise, Pumping Pomegranate and Apple Crumble are up there too! I love all these teas hot and cold.

 

Doing What You Love

The most important part of improving your well being is doing what you love and for me that is creating art, playing with dogs, watching the sun rise and set, beauty, travelling, tea, hanging out with my sister and most importantly being with my friends. I love my friends they make me laugh, they support me and they are always there for me. My friends make going to school fun and they always put a smile on my face and make my day.

Here a quite a few photos of the things I love.

Make sure to tell your friends and family how much you love them and how much they mean to you! You can also tell your chocolate how much you love it too... no ones judging :)