--- title: Smiling Mind Blog | Dr Addie Wootten description: Insights, tips & tricks, interviews and articles relating to the power of mindfulness meditation. Open your attention to the present with key techniques to avoid stress and anxiety. --- [Back to smilingmind.com.au](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_BlogLogo_black.svg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au) [Login/Sign up](https://app.smilingmind.com.au/?_ga=2.99144346.505229074.1559522319-1047861382.1534989894) - Mindfulness - [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) - [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) - [Mindful eating](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindful-eating) - [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) - [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks) - At Home - [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) - [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents) - [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family) - In Schools - [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students) - [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers) - [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) - At Work - [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) - [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business) - Mental Health - [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) - [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) - [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) - [News](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) ![Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind-portraits-171207-PaulMcMillan_ILL7493-035_Cropped.jpg) ## Dr Addie Wootten [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SMILING%20MINDS%200N7A2721%20WEB.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-smiling-mind-put-preventative-mental-health-care-on-the-map) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SMILING%20MINDS%200N7A2721%20WEB.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-smiling-mind-put-preventative-mental-health-care-on-the-map) [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19), [Media release](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) ## [How Smiling Mind put preventative Mental Health care on the map](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-smiling-mind-put-preventative-mental-health-care-on-the-map) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on November 16, 2021 There is perhaps no greater challenge than to start something out of nothing. Te... [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19), [Media release](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SOM%202021%20Assets/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-021.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/findings-from-our-annual-state-of-mind-report) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SOM%202021%20Assets/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-021.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/findings-from-our-annual-state-of-mind-report) [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) ## [Findings from our annual State of Mind report](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/findings-from-our-annual-state-of-mind-report) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on October 4, 2021 With the COVID-19 pandemic stretching into its second year, supporting the menta... [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/joice-kelly-rXrMy7mXUEs-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/responding-to-the-hidden-youth-mental-health-crisis) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/joice-kelly-rXrMy7mXUEs-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/responding-to-the-hidden-youth-mental-health-crisis) [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children), [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) ## [Responding to the “hidden” youth mental health crisis](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/responding-to-the-hidden-youth-mental-health-crisis) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on September 13, 2021 Throughout the 18 long months of the COVID pandemic, a parallel mental health cr... [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children), [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-49404-original.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/getting-ahead-of-the-mental-health-curve) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-49404-original.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/getting-ahead-of-the-mental-health-curve) [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) ## [Getting ahead of the curve in our mental health crisis](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/getting-ahead-of-the-mental-health-curve) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on June 8, 2021 For Victorians like me experiencing yet another mass lockdown, the prospect of t... [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) 3 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-387370-jpeg.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/staying-mentally-healthy-when-youre-working-from-home) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-387370-jpeg.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/staying-mentally-healthy-when-youre-working-from-home) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) ## [Staying mentally healthy when you're working from home](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/staying-mentally-healthy-when-youre-working-from-home) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on March 27, 2020 Working from home for an extended period of time will be new to many of us. We'v... [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) 1 minute read [![SM\_STILLS\_01 (1)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_STILLS_01%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/a-great-vision-true-philanthropy) [![SM\_STILLS\_01 (1)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_STILLS_01%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/a-great-vision-true-philanthropy) ## [A great vision – true philanthropy](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/a-great-vision-true-philanthropy) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on November 28, 2019 Many people may not know that Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit organisation, An ... 2 minute read [![blake-lisk-163061-unsplash](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/blake-lisk-163061-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-vs-mental-illness.-our-ceo-discusses-mental-health-language) [![blake-lisk-163061-unsplash](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/blake-lisk-163061-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-vs-mental-illness.-our-ceo-discusses-mental-health-language) ## [Mental health vs mental illness. Our CEO discusses mental health language](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-vs-mental-illness.-our-ceo-discusses-mental-health-language) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on October 21, 2019 Dr Addie Wootten, our CEO here at Smiling Mind discusses the correct language an... 3 minute read [![2-2](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2-2.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/10-ways-for-your-mind-this-world-mental-health-day) [![2-2](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2-2.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/10-ways-for-your-mind-this-world-mental-health-day) [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) ## [10 ways to care for your mind this World Mental Health day](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/10-ways-for-your-mind-this-world-mental-health-day) Posted by [Dr Addie Wootten](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/dr-addie-wootten) on October 10, 2017 Dr Addie Wootten, our CEO here at Smiling Mind discusses the importance of World... [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) 4 minute read [All posts](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) [![Educator Wellbeing: 5 Ways to Practise Mental Fitness This Week](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/5f999bff-3435-4345-afd8-e5bc07690aa3-1.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/educator-wellbeing-5-ways-to-practise-mental-fitness-this-week) Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 6 minute read ### [Educator Wellbeing: 5 Ways to Practise Mental Fitness This Week](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/educator-wellbeing-5-ways-to-practise-mental-fitness-this-week) by Smiling Mind ## Latest [![Educator Wellbeing: 5 Ways to Practise Mental Fitness This Week](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/5f999bff-3435-4345-afd8-e5bc07690aa3-1.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/educator-wellbeing-5-ways-to-practise-mental-fitness-this-week) ### [Educator Wellbeing: 5 Ways to Practise Mental Fitness This Week](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/educator-wellbeing-5-ways-to-practise-mental-fitness-this-week) When was the last time something small helped you feel a little more like yourself? A conversation that filled your cup.... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 6 minute read [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) If you’re a parent or caregiver, you probably know the feeling: your brain feels full of tasks that somehow keep multipl... Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) ## At home [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1307370020.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) ### [How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) Each year Smiling Mind checks in on the wellbeing of Australians through our State of Mind survey. The 2024 report focus... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 7 minute read [![Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Collection%20Resilient%20Families%20Parents%20.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) ### [Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) Creating generational change in mental health for Australia’s young girls and women is the driving force behind a new 3-... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) ## At Work [![The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2154297863.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) ### [The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) Running a small business can be challenging—you're the strategist, the problem-solver, the cheerleader, and everything i... Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Business, Self care, Mental Fitness 11 minute read [![Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2160502739.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) ### [Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) Running a business is no easy feat, and the current economic uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. To support bu... Workplace, Business, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1317277259%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) ### [Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) Did you know that one in three small and medium sized business owners identify mental health as their top concern? It's ... Workplace, Business, Meditation 14 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) ## At school [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-907283180.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) ### [How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) Healthy friendships are fundamental to a child’s emotional and social learning in school, but they don't always come eas... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 9 minute read [![Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Schools%20program%20impact%20article.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) ### [Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre... Children, Schools 18 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) ## News [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/youth%20social%20media%20ban.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) ### ["A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) The ban to prevent Australian children under 16 from accessing social media is filled with great intentions. However exp... Parents, Mental Health, Media release, Mental Fitness 4 minute read [![Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/childrens%20mental%20health.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) ### [Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi... Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [![Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-014_Edit.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) ### [Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity... Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) © 2026 Smiling Mind - [Privacy & Terms](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/privacy-and-terms) We recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their ancestors, the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country. We acknowledge the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. ### Info - [Home](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindfulness) - [Education](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/education) - [Workplace](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-workplace) - [Our free app](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app) - [Blog](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/) - [FAQs](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us#our-faq) ### About - [About us](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-team) - [Our Board](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-board) ### Action - [Contact](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us) - [Donate](https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?version=latest&client_token=dc092e09-150a-4a06-93de-14a387bffccc&custom_css=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/smgeneral/media/shout-donate-form.css&uid=d375e26da7&logLevel=error&xcomponent=1) - [give](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/support-us) - [shop](https://smilingmind.org.au/) - - - -