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Hi there, my name is Jo Kendall, and I’m thrilled to join you each month as a regular contributor to REGGIE on the subject of wellbeing. As a country girl through and through and having lived in regional Australia my entire life, I deeply value the country lifestyle and the sense of community it brings. I’m also a qualified therapist with well over a decade of experience, a published author, speaker, and wellbeing specialist with my own private practice.
Living in rural Australia offers unique rewards, but it also comes with its own set of challenges – whether it’s the physical demands of working the land, the emotional strain of isolation, or the often-overlooked stresses of small-town life. wellbeing here looks different from what you might find in the city, and I’m passionate about finding simple, practical ways to nurture mental, emotional, and physical health that align with our country way of life.
As we approach the end of 2024 (can you believe it? I swear it was April two weeks ago!), I’ll be sharing a three-part series on nurturing wellbeing in rural and regional Australia, tailored to this busy, festive time of year. To kick us off, here’s part one: Nurturing Our wellbeing in the Heart of Regional Australia.
Three small ways to care for yourself today
I’m a big believer in keeping things simple, so let’s start with three small, manageable steps you can take to care for your wellbeing today.
1. Connect with nature
One thing we have in abundance here in regional Australia is nature. Whether it’s a garden, the bush, or simply the fresh country air, stepping outside – even for a few moments – can do wonders for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that being outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost your immune system. So, take the family to the park on the weekend, meet a friend for a walk, or simply enjoy your morning cuppa on the back porch. Feel the sun on your skin and let nature work its magic. It’s one of the most effective (and free!) ways to boost your wellbeing, and I promise you’ll feel the benefits right away.
2. Establish small daily rituals
Never underestimate the power of small, daily habits. These seemingly tiny rituals can have a huge impact over time, helping to reduce stress and bring a sense of calm and order to your day. It could be something as simple as taking three deep breaths every time you boil the kettle, making your bed first thing in the morning, or spending a quiet moment with a good book. The key is consistency. Small, mindful actions done regularly add up and create a foundation of wellbeing. Start with one or two rituals and see how they make you feel.
3. Stay connected
Community is at the heart of regional life, and staying connected with others is vital for our emotional health. Whether it’s catching up with a neighbour, having a cuppa with a friend, or calling a loved one for a chat, these small acts of connection remind us that we’re not alone. In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to let these moments slip, but they’re essential for our wellbeing. If you’re feeling isolated, try joining a local group, heading to the weekly farmers’ market, or even inviting someone for a walk. These simple moments of connection can boost your mood and provide a sense of belonging that’s so important, especially in rural areas.
I’m looking forward to sharing more insights and practical tips with you over the coming months. Together, we’ll explore how to nurture wellbeing in a way that suits our beautiful regional way of life. Until next time, take a moment for yourself and enjoy the simple things that make life in the country so special.
