Jump Rope is a great way to get outside, move your body and have fun. You don't need much equipment or space (a courtyard will do). Lauren from @laurenjumps makes it look so cool.
​Here are some YouTube clips to take you from basics to brilliant: 
Phoenix Nation have jump rope tutorials from beginner to expert
Lauren Jumps has some videos on YouTube but most of her content is on Instagram

NOTE: Wear a helmet and protective gear.

I used to do this all the time! So not helpful.

Getting outside is good for your mental health. Why not have a picnic - even if it's in your backyard or on the balcony? It's been really hot where I live, so an evening picnic might be more practical. Invite a friend, put up some party lights, prepare some food and enjoy the great outdoors. Don't forget the bug spray or sunscreen. 
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Here are some picnic food ideas:

• sushi
• baguette, pita, wrap or roll with meat and lots of salad
• grazing platter with meat, cheese, dip, fruit and bread
• salads - Greek, pasta, rice, potato, garden, etc.
• quiche or zucchini slice
• rice paper rolls

​Check out www.taste.com.au for more ideas.

There's a Dove ad that has been popping up on YouTube a lot recently. It sends a powerful message about body confidence, social media and digital distortion. The stats are American but it would be a similar story in Australia. Ironically, social media can be very anti-social. It focuses on people's appearance and not who they are. Many of the images have been edited and filtered and don't accurately reflect reality. Ironically, social media can be quite antisocial because it doesn't encourage authentic, meaningful connection. It can also leave us feeling disconnected and isolated because we don't feel inferior to other people on social media. Remember, social media is a highlight real, not real life.

Here are some tips on healthy social media use:

1. Set a timer - so you don't get stuck scrolling for hours.
2. Use social media to connect with friends.
3. Only post kind comments.
4. Create real content.
5. Don't compare yourself to others - you are unique.
6. Follow accounts that post good, uplifting content.
7. Unfollow or hide accounts that don't make you feel good about yourself.

Here's some tips on healthy social media use:

1. Set a timer - so you don't get stuck scrolling for hours.
2. Use social media to connect with friends.
3. Only post kind comments.
4. Create real content.
5. Don't compare yourself to others - you are unique.
6. Follow accounts that post good, uplifting content.
7. Unfollow or hide accounts that don't make you feel good about yourself.

I think a lot of people have lost hope recently. The constant bad news can stomp out any flicker of hope that you might have had remaining after two years of a global pandemic, floods, bushfires, angry protests, tragic accidents, etc. But if you can flame that ember back into life, it will help carry you through these tough times. Even though there is so much bad stuff in the world, there is still good. There are people who are kind, generous, heroic and courageous. We still live on a beautiful planet.
The sun still rises each day. There are still simple pleasures like ice cream on a hot day, laughing with friends, listening to your favourite band, and other good things you can enjoy.

Five ways to ignite hope:

1. Start with gratitude - make a list of all the good things in your life.
2. ​Replace your negative thoughts. The next time your thoughts are get stuck on a negative loop, change the message. For example, change 'this pandemic will never end' to 'other pandemics have ended, so this one will too.' You can't change what happens to you, but you can change how you react to it.
3. Spend time with friends - face to face connection is so important for your mental health.
4. You are stronger and more resilient than you think. Find some positive self-affirmations to remind yourself of this.
5. Get out in nature - I find that a walk through the bush or on the beach is good for the soul. Even laying in your backyard and watching the clouds or the stars can lighten your soul. 

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