Not-for-profit, for-purpose agency Silver Lining is launching a fundraising challenge that asks Australia to ‘Do Nothing to Do Something for Mental Health’.
Every year 5 million Australians are affected by some sort of mental health challenge, and the effects of COVID are creating an ever-increasing burden on people’s mental health.
So, The Do Nothing Challenge encourages Aussies to spend thirty minutes a day doing nothing for the whole of November, whilst raising money for mental health charity partners Smiling Mind, ReachOut, and Orygen.
That thirty minutes of “doing nothing” could be spent simply sitting still and breathing, meditating with the Smiling Mind app, practicing gratitude, embracing mindfulness, watching the leaves sway on a tree, or anything that allows the mind to slow down and relax… away from the pressures of everyday life. You can do thirty minutes in one go, or break it up throughout the day. It’s up to you.
The Do Nothing Challenge includes a suite of tools that helps participants Do Nothing that range from videos of waves on a beach, paint drying, grass growing, White Noise Music playlists, On Hold muzak, and even Out-of-Office messages to encourage workplaces to do something for the mental health of their staff.
You can Do Nothing by yourself, get a team together, or get your work or school in on the act. Because we could all do with a little focus on our mental health.
The aim is to collectively achieve 5 million Do Nothing minutes, one minute for every Australian who will suffer a Mental or Behavioural condition this year.
Alex Wadelton, creative director of Silver Lining, said, “there are so many amazing fundraisers for charities that encourage you to do more push-ups, feel the burn with squats, run farther, cycle longer, and so on. But there isn’t one that focuses on slowing down.”
“So, we decided to make one of our own. Of course we don’t mean to do literally nothing, as mediation is actually active. But having time out on your terms is so important, especially whilst in and out of lockdowns.”
Jonny Clow, managing director of Silver Lining, said, “there’s a growing movement of mindfulness that’s squarely directed at improving everybody’s mental health. And we want to champion the charities that are best placed to provide the right tools and support.”
“Having time-off to yourself with no distractions has great health benefits, such as sleeping better, having more energy and managing stress. So you’re not only helping others, you’re helping yourself.”
Silver Lining was launched July 22nd and now has a client list that includes Vision Australia, Mental Health First Aid, Happy Fish and Suicide Prevention Australia.
You can aign up to The Do Nothing Challenge at donothingchallenge.com.au
CREDITS
The Do Nothing Challenge:
Silver Lining
Beneficiaries:
Orygen
ReachOut
Smiling Mind
Launch film editing:
Adam White
