The 5R’s: Your Toolkit for Everyday Wellbeing
What is wellbeing, and why does it matter?
Wellbeing is the connection of our physical, social, and emotional health, influenced by each individual’s unique life experiences, and also shaped by the impact of social environmental, political, and cultural conditions that surround us.
Uni life can be exciting, challenging, and everything in between. Whether you’re a professional starting study later in life, a busy parent looking to change careers, or you’ve just graduated high school, we're all on a journey of discovering how to navigate study, relationships, and life outside the classroom. The 5R’s Framework is here to help you support your social and emotional health amongst it all:
- A tool to check in with yourself and others
- Guides self-awareness and action
Helps you notice what’s happening, what you need, and what works
What are the 5R’s?
RELATE
Relationships are at the heart of our wellbeing journey. Relate speaks to the relationship with ourselves as well as our connections with others - friends, family, colleagues, and fellow students. Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- How do others relate to me?
- Who can I call on when I need support?
Watch the video.
Explore more at Western:
RECOGNISE
When we learn to recognise how we’re feeling, and what’s going on around us, we can better support our overall wellbeing. Sometimes naming emotions can be tricky. The more we become aware, the better we can respond. Ask yourself:
- What am I feeling?
- What’s going on around me?
- How do I know if I’m thriving, or if I need support?
Watch the video.
RESPOND
After recognising how we’re feeling, we can respond with the right tools and practices. Sometimes a response can be as easy as taking a walk outside to cool down after a stressful situation. Other times, the right response is reaching out to a counsellor to get support. It’s important to know what supports are available in our wider community, such as support groups, GP’s, local elders or community leaders, and professional therapists - alongside the university student supports available. Reflect on:
- What are my wellbeing routines?
- What tools and resources are available to me?
- What do I need?
Support is available:
REMIND
The practices and routines that keep us well can easily slip when life gets busy. Remind is about creating routines, habits, and small daily practices and remembering what works best for you.
- What’s helped me before?
- What can I do right now? What can I do long-term?
- What do I already have?
Watch the video.
REFLECT
Reflection gives you the space to pause and look back on how far you’ve come. It’s about learning from your experiences, celebrating progress, and thinking about what helps you feel your best moving forward.
- What skills can I take with me moving forward?
- What does it mean to be kind to myself?
- What can I anticipate? What’s coming up?
Helpful tools: