Wellness Programs in Point Cook
Sleep, movement, food and connection all feed into how you feel from one day to the next. A GP can discuss the habits affecting your wellbeing, check for health problems behind them and refer you to people who can help you change them.
How daily habits affect mood
When one part of life slips, others tend to follow. Poor sleep makes it harder to exercise, low energy leads to skipped meals, and stress can make alcohol or screens more tempting. Small changes made one at a time are generally easier to keep than a complete overhaul, and they often have a knock-on effect.
Areas worth looking at
- Sleep: most adults need around 7 to 9 hours a night
- Movement: Australian guidelines suggest 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity across the week for adults
- Eating: regular meals with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein
- Alcohol: national guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day
- Smoking and vaping
- Time with people and activities you enjoy
Who might benefit
Looking at these habits can suit anyone who wants to feel better day to day. It may be particularly useful after a stressful period, when living with a long-term health condition, when returning to work after time off, while adjusting to parenthood or retirement, or when you feel run down and unsure where to start.
Where a GP fits in
Tiredness and low energy are not always about lifestyle. Checking overall health comes first, and if blood tests are needed, the clinic has its own Dorevitch Pathology collection centre.
From there, a referral to a dietitian, exercise physiologist, psychologist or community program may be the next step. People with a chronic condition may be eligible for a GP care plan, which includes a limited number of Medicare-rebated allied health visits each year. See the Chronic Disease Management page for more.
Making a goal stick
Goals are easier to keep when they are specific and small. Instead of aiming to get fit, try a 15 minute walk after dinner three times a week. Pick one or two changes to begin with, think ahead about what might get in the way, and decide how you will know it is working. Once a habit feels routine, add the next one.
Telling a partner, friend or family member what you are working on can make it easier to follow through.
Habits that take five minutes
- Get outside in daylight soon after waking
- Stand up and stretch every hour if you sit for work
- Add one extra serve of vegetables to a meal
- Plan two or more alcohol-free days each week
- Send a message to someone you have not spoken to in a while
- Write down one thing that went well before bed
Setbacks and checking in
Old habits come back, especially during busy or stressful weeks, and that is normal. A follow-up visit is a chance to look at what has worked, what has not and what to try next, rather than starting again from scratch.
When it is more than a rough patch
If low mood, worry or feeling overwhelmed has lasted more than a couple of weeks, habits alone may not be enough. The Anxiety/Depression page explains the next steps. If you ever feel unsafe, call 000, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time of day or night.
Fees and bulk billing
Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.