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Taking Care of Your Wellbeing

Your wellbeing. Your way.

Simple tools to help you thrive every day.

The Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals and communities boost their wellbeing so they can lead safe, happy, healthy lives.
Start here

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing isn't just about being healthy. It's about feeling good in your everyday life — connected, purposeful, and able to cope with whatever comes your way.

Wellbeing is made up of four interconnected areas

PhysicalHow you eat, sleep and exercise.
MentalYour mood, self-esteem, and ability to manage stress.
SocialYour relationships and sense of belonging.
EmotionalHow you understand and express your feelings.

Wellbeing isn't fixed. It shifts day to day, week to week, shaped by your experiences, your circumstances, and the choices you make.

Taking care of your wellbeing is essential because it affects your:

  • Overall health
  • Happiness and life satisfaction
  • Resilience
  • Positive impact on others
Check in

Your wellbeing scale

At any point in your day, your wellbeing sits somewhere on a continuum — we call this the wellbeing scale.

Thriving"I've got this!"
Surviving"Something isn't right"
Struggling"I can't keep this up"
In Crisis"I can't survive like this"

Your wellbeing moves along the scale — sometimes hour to hour — and that is completely normal.

Where are you right now on the scale?

Notice where you are, not to judge yourself, but simply to be aware. Once you know where you are, you can take actions to move toward where you want to be. Trying some of the wellbeing boosters below is a great place to start.

When things feel hard

Wellbeing isn't always at the thriving end, and that's okay. Sometimes life makes it genuinely difficult to move in the right direction.

If you're spending more time at the struggling end of the scale, please reach out. Asking for support is one of the bravest and most effective things you can do for your wellbeing.

Visit alwf.org.au/support for suggested support services and options, or call Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Take action

Wellbeing boosters

Everyone's wellbeing is different. Start to notice what boosts yours — and what drains it. What is one thing you could try today that might move you toward thriving?

Nurturing your bodyEat well, drink water, move, and get enough sleep. These are the foundations.
Be activeEven small movement makes a difference. Find an activity that fits your routine.
ConnectReach out to someone today, in person if you can. Community groups are great ways to connect.
Take noticeSlow down and notice what is good right now. The simple things give us joy.
GiveYour time, presence, or encouragement. People who give have improved wellbeing.
Keep learningTry a new recipe, read a book, or learn something that interests or challenges you.

Wellbeing drainers

Being aware of what drains your wellbeing is just as important. Common drainers include poor sleep, isolation, constant screen time, and not asking for help.

What's draining you lately, and could you change one small thing?

Make it yours

My wellbeing planner

Fill out this wellbeing planner and keep it somewhere you'll see it each day to help you look after your wellbeing. (The printable version below has space to write your answers.)

My everyday boostersThe small things that help me feel my best.
e.g. set bedtime, morning shower
Things that make me feel goodThe moments that lift me.
e.g. listening to music, spending time in the garden
Emotional care I'll followHow I'll look after my feelings.
e.g. time to myself, talking to someone I trust
How I'll nourish my bodySmall ways I'll fuel myself well.
e.g. cook a healthy meal, drink more water
Social connections I'll makePeople I'll reach out to.
e.g. call a friend, attend my club meeting
Ways I'll move my bodyMovement that fits my day.
e.g. a morning walk, stretching before bed
Things I'll avoid (my drainers)What pulls me down that I can limit.
e.g. late night screen time, skipping meals

Use the wellbeing scale above to check in with yourself regularly, and come back to this planner whenever things feel out of balance.

Take it with you

Download the printable "Taking Care of Your Wellbeing?" brochure — a two-page A4 with the full guide and a fill-in wellbeing planner.

Download the PDF (A4) Free to print and share.
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