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MENTAL well-being is not just about depression. It’s about finding joy in life and reasons to smile.
We all have times when that seems harder than it should, so The Border Mail has tried to make it a little bit easier for you.
Short-lived highs like expensive holidays, big nights out or shopping sprees won’t get a mention here — those quick-fixes can cause as much harm as good.
This is all about simple, everyday pleasures.
And just being happy.
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KEEP READING
Children who enjoy reading lots of books when they are young are more likely to continue reading well into their adult lives.
It is important to stimulate the brain with word games, puzzles and reading.
Parents can make reading fun by sharing a book together and taking turns to read aloud.
Why not take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Albury or Wodonga library while reading a book?
Or if you enjoy the outdoors more you could find a spot underneath a shady tree or a patch of grass to sit while you read.
JOIN THE MOVIE CLUB
Children love sitting down and being transported into another world, usually of adventure and mystery.
They can let their imagination run wild as they take in the latest offerings at Regent Cinemas these school holidays.
There are many animated movies this season to choose from, including one to satisfy those who love a bit of a scare.
ParaNorman tells the story of Norman, a young boy who is keeping a secret - he can communicate with the dead.
But if that's not your cup of tea there's also the Disney flick, Wreck-It Ralph.
MOVING AROUND
There's a plethora of places to entertain children on the Border.
Both Albury and Wodonga libraries host a variety of activities throughout the year, including storytime during the school terms.
Visit the Albury and Wodonga council websites for details and times.
Parks, including Oddies Creek and Sumsion Gardens, are among the best places to chill out for free.
For play time when its cold or raining, Scrambles, Zealous Kids or Rumble Tumbles.
GETTING CREATIVE
Crafting at home doesn't need to be expensive nor is it only for girls.
Cardboard boxes, for example, can be a boy's best friend.
Take a trip to Bunnings and let the children pick their own from the front of the store.
Give them the responsibility and they will quickly envisage a doll's house, a car, or even a shop front.
Or how about some tie-dying?
All you need are different food colours and some bowls or buckets.
Have fun guessing and mixing concentrated colours in warm water before dipping white tops, pants, even hankies, tied with elastic bands.
Meanwhile, for the younger children, pasta necklaces are always fun.
Paint some penne pasta or cover in glue and glitter before threading on string, wool or pretty ribbon.
BACKYARD CAMPING
No time to pack the camping gear in the car and head out into the great outdoors?
The solution is simple: Pitch the tent in the backyard, blow up the airbeds and unroll the sleeping bags and let the kids camp out at home.
It's a great way to introduce the younger kids to the joys of the outdoors, while remaining in familiar surroundings.
Kids just love it. The opportunity to eat out under the stars, switch on torches at night and tell ghost stories, all within a safe distance of mum and dad should it get too scary.
And if it rains it's easy to hightail it inside to the comfort of your own bed.