Find your way to okay: 8 things to do around Perth to boost your mental wellbeing

And now for something a little different…

We’re teaming up with Think Mental Health to share a few little tactics to bring a little calm, help you feel okay on a day-to-day basis, and in the process hopefully improve your mental wellbeing.

And while we’re not here to tell you to simply “get off the couch and go for a walk”, hopefully the list below may inspire you to take a little time for yourself, explore, experiment and find out what works best for you…

Join or start a run club/walking group

In case you missed the news, free community clubs revolving around running or walking are exploding in popularity around Perth. Open to all people of all abilities, we recently went on a deep dive into some of Perth’s best run clubs, but if you’d prefer to take things a little slower, there are heaps of walk clubs to join as well! Fun, friendly and free-of-charge, it’s a great way to socialise while staying active.

Tap into the fun on offer at your local library

Tired of constantly scrolling through streaming services and never finding what you want? Did you know there’s dozens of great public libraries around Perth filled with opportunity. Of course there’s plenty of books, but you’ll also find a heap of other media to explore including board games, puzzles, movies and more. They’re also a nice, quiet place to escape the fast-paced outside world, and there’s loads of free activities, classes and clubs you can join too. State Library of WA have a map for all WA libraries – check it out here!

Browse your local community market

Filled with fresh air and fresh produce, Perth has plenty of excellent community markets over weekends. It’s a great chance to get out of the house early, stock up the fridge with some fresh fruit and veg, and experience a little bit of community spirit while you do it. You might even find some affordable, locally-made gifts to share with someone special.

Go for a walk around a nearby nature reserve

To beat cabin fever this winter, why not layer up and head outside for a walk in the fresh air. The links between sunshine, fresh air and the natural environment and mental wellbeing are well-known, so why not try exploring them yourself to see if it works for you? While the outer suburbs have many excellent walking trails, if transport is an issue there are plenty of great options much closer to home as well, with only a short bus or train ride between you and some quality time with the natural environment.

Find inspiration at an art gallery or try an art class

If you’re looking for more mental stimulation rather than physical, pop in to a local art gallery and see if the creativity of others gets the juices flowing? Art provides different perspectives to help open your mind up to how others think and feel, and it may even inspire you to join a local art group, or look into online art courses if you’d rather fly solo.

Get your heartrate up at a free outdoor gym

If you’re really interested in taking your fitness and exercise regime up a notch, but can’t afford gym membership fees or feel a little intimidated in that kind of environment, perhaps one of Perth’s free outdoor gyms is worth exploring? There are plenty all around Perth that let you work at your own pace, with different equipment that lets you go as hard or as gently as you like.

Catch up with your friends (away from the pub)

For many of us, catching up with friends can be intrinsically linked to going out for drinks down at the local, or an expensive restaurant dinner – but that doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, alcohol can have a negative effect on how we think and feel. With winter on the way, it’s the perfect time to invite your mates over for a soup night. Cosy up in front of the heater with a hearty soup and warm crusty bread. Pro-tip: throw in a couple of board games to keep it fun and help keep the conversations going.

Head to the beach for an early morning swim or soothing sunset

Okay this one might be for the warmer months, but for the daring amongst you, a cold water swim can be great for your mental wellbeing. And our beaches are some of the best in the world, so if you’re looking to really freshen things up or meet some new people, an early morning swim with Cold Nips is a fantastic option. If the salty water and sand aren’t a big vibe and you’re willing to go exploring, perhaps a local swimming hole is more your speed.

If you’re looking for more ideas or help to maintain your mental wellbeing, head to Think Mental Health website to find out more.

–

This article is sponsored by Think Mental Health and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.