WELLBEING
REST AND RELAXATION
Sometimes you just need some good, old-fashioned alone time
Rest and relaxation are crucial for those in the mining industry, as the demanding nature of the work can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Long hours and physically demanding tasks can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout, making it essential for workers to take the time to recharge and recuperate. Engaging in restorative activities after a long day at work not only helps in reducing stress but also improves overall productivity and safety on the job site. The right balance of work, rest and leisure, is so important to not only maintain our health, but enhance overall wellbeing. As we always say - your safety, health and wellbeing are #1!
Pursue creative interests, nurture passions and indulge in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment
Read a real, hardcopy book or magazine. Feeling the paper in your hands, and getting away from the digital can help ground you. Disconnect from the world and just enjoy life before screens.
Create some art. Bring some watercolours, paint pens and a sketchbook with you - they don’t have to be expensive. Throw on a Bob Ross tutorial and create a masterpiece, or listen to your favourite tunes while filling in an adult colouring book.
Start journaling. Many great scientists, artists, philosophers, politicians and inventors of the past recorded their daily experiences. Immortalise your ideas, thoughts and feelings, whether important or fleeting, and reflect in the future and help see how far you’ve come. It can also strengthen memory, help reduce stress, and improve communication and literacy skills.
Pamper yourself with a mid-swing spa night. Have a nice, steamy shower to begin your evening, using your favourite scented body wash. Put on comfy, clean pyjamas, pop on a face mask, play some relaxing music, and chill out. You can even follow up with the next suggestion…
Breathing and meditation exercises are such a glorious way for slowing down after a tough day on site. The calm app (see below) has some great guided videos, or your fitness tracker watch/app may even have some.
Take advantage of your surroundings and discover hidden gems off the beaten path
Explore the local area! You could be located at a site with access to a nearby residential town. Walk through the streets, check out nearby landmarks, cultural attractions and parks. Of course, make enquiries first (camp staff and supervisors are a good start), let someone know where you’re going, and always be safe.
Some villages have walking paths or outdoor recreational areas. Spend time outdoors reconnecting with nature, enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll, snap some photos, or simply relax in a tranquil setting to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
Check out the Night Sky website on desktop or mobile. Whenever you’re in a new or remote location, take a look above! The stars and planets can be unbelievably impressive in remote locations, like the deserts of Australia away from city lights. This webpage is completely free, easily accessible and very functional within most smartphone web browsers. A good GPS signal will open the map right to your location, and reflects your viewpoint when moving around. Point your phone to the sky to find out more about what that bright star is in the distance, which planets are visible tonight, and if you’re lucky, you could come across a meteor or two.
If you’re looking to relax with your phone or laptop, instead of scrolling aimlessly, think about choosing an activity that will engage the brain, benefit your learning, or help you relax - maybe even all at once!
If you like to play games after a long day to wind down or distract yourself, you can definitely have fun, learn, and improve your brain health with Lumosity. Puzzles, memory games, logic problems and meditation techniques are built by real scientists and research. The app provides rich insights into your cognitive ability and actionable feedback, allowing you to build habits and track improvements.
Safety is no joke. While the original purpose of DWTD was about rail safety, the underlying message so accurately applies to the mining industry and everyday life - safety is #1, don’t do dumb sh*t, and procedures exist for a reason. Download this for hours of entertainment and educational games for all ages. This is a good one to share with your friends, family and colleagues.
Learn that language you’ve always been curious about. Imagine spending just 10 minutes an evening after work, and mastering level 1 German before you know it! Perhaps you’d like to greet your team mate in their native tongue, or brush up on your Indonesian before your next holiday. You know you’ve been thinking about it - this is your sign.
Calm your mind, change your life. Calm makes wellbeing achievable with personalised content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life. Navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience, confidence and guided support. Calm offers a free 14 day trial, and premium subscription for just $12.99 per month, for access to a huge amount of health support resources.
