Happy Healthy Kids Australia

We all have days where we experience low mood but do you know what can make your mood better or worse? Here are a few tips to help increase your positive emotions and boost your mood, and a few things to avoid, so it doesn't get worse

Let's promote daily positive self-talk with our children and students to boost their self-confidence, growth mindset, stress management and positive emotions, for increases in their overall mental health and wellbeing. Here are a few to get you started😊

Big feelings aren’t the problem — not understanding them is. 💭✨

The more young people can recognise and name what they’re feeling, the easier it becomes to manage those emotions in healthy ways.

When we build emotional vocabulary, we help children:
🧠 Make sense of what’s happening inside
💬 Communicate their needs more clearly
🌿 Regulate before reaching overwhelm
🤝 Strengthen empathy and relationships

Anger might be hiding hurt.
Withdrawal might be masking fear.
Frustration might be covering disappointment.

When we slow down and help them unpack the “scribble,” we empower them to understand each feeling — not be controlled by it.

Emotional literacy isn’t extra. It’s foundational.

We're usually quick to show kindness to others, but don't forget to show kindness to yourself too ❤️

Whether it's anxiety or stress, there are a few things that can make it worse. Make sure you avoid these if you're feeling the symptoms of stress and anxiety starting to creep in.

REMINDER: it is ok to pop your feet up and take a break. We can't fill from an empty cup but if we focus on filling our cup, we have more to give to those around us

The way we speak to young people shapes how they see themselves. 💛

When we shift from judgement to restoration, we move from blame and control to curiosity, accountability and growth.

Instead of asking:
❌ “What did you do?”
❌ “Why did you do that?”

Try:
✅ “Can you tell me what happened?”
✅ “What were you feeling?”
✅ “Who has been impacted?”
✅ “What could you do to make this better?”

Restorative conversations focus on the problem — not the person. They build emotional awareness, responsibility, empathy and stronger relationships.

Small changes in language create big changes in outcomes. 🌱

Things in and out of our control

When stress feels overwhelming, it can help to pause and notice what we can influence — and what we can gently let go of.

✨ Things within our control:
• How we respond to challenges
• The thoughts we choose to focus on
• How we care for our body and mind
• Asking for support when we need it
• The boundaries we set

✨ Things outside our control:
• Other people’s choices or behaviour
• Unexpected events or changes
• The past
• Opinions or judgments of others

Wellbeing grows when we place our energy where it truly matters — on what’s within our reach.

Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s making space for calm, clarity, and self-compassion 💛

Why mindfulness supports our wellbeing

Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment — with curiosity and kindness, not judgment.

✨ It helps calm the nervous system
✨ It supports emotional regulation and self-awareness
✨ It can reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
✨ It improves focus and attention
✨ It helps us respond, rather than react, to challenges

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be silent or still. A slow breath, noticing your surroundings, or grounding your body in the moment all count.

Small pauses. Powerful impact on wellbeing 💛

Why self-care matters for our wellbeing

Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential.
It’s the small, intentional choices we make to look after our mental, emotional, and physical health.

✨ It helps reduce stress and prevent burnout
✨ It supports emotional regulation and resilience
✨ It improves focus, energy, and mood
✨ It reminds us that our needs matter too
✨ It allows us to show up more fully for others

Self-care doesn’t have to be big or expensive. A quiet moment, a deep breath, a walk, or saying no can be enough.

Taking care of yourself is not something to earn — it’s something you deserve 💛

Why journaling supports our wellbeing

Journaling is more than just writing words on a page — it’s a powerful way to support our mental and emotional health.

✨ It helps us slow down and process our thoughts
✨ It provides a safe outlet for emotions we might not feel ready to share
✨ It supports self-reflection and greater self-awareness
✨ It can reduce stress and overwhelm by getting worries out of our head and onto paper
✨ It helps us notice patterns, strengths, and moments of gratitude

There’s no “right” way to journal — a few dot points, a sentence, or even drawing counts. What matters most is giving yourself permission to pause and check in.

A small habit. A big impact on wellbeing 💛

💛 The people around us shape our wellbeing.

The company we keep can have a big impact on our mental health and happiness. Surround yourself with friends, partners, and loved ones who lift you up, inspire growth, and support your journey.

Positive relationships encourage us to be our best selves, offer support during tough times, and help us celebrate wins — big and small. Life is full of choices, and choosing to spend time with those who nurture and challenge us in good ways is one of the most powerful ways to care for our wellbeing.

Who in your life makes you a better version of yourself? 🌿