Staying healthy is important for everybody. Looking after your body by exercising for about 30 minutes on most days, eating well, getting regular sleep and reducing stress really improves the way you feel and think.

This can be especially important if you are going through a tough time - or recovering from one.

Being physically active improves your strength, fitness and confidence, which can help you to achieve what you want.

Eating well means having a variety of healthy foods including plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals, some lean meat, chicken or fish, some dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese) and lots of water.

Staying healthy isn't just about eating fruit occasionally or playing sport at the weekend.

It's about doing the right thing by your body and mind every day. Once you get into healthy patterns, it's well worth it.

• Keeping active can help you stay physically fit and mentally healthy, lifting your mood, increasing energy, improving sleep and increasing wellbeing.

• Good food is important in maintaining mental health as well as physical health. Eating a nourishing diet can improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

• A good night's sleep gives you a chance to recharge.

• Stress is a part of daily life. It's a natural physical and mental response needed to help you cope with emergencies and to perform at your best. But when stress doesn't let up, it can damage your physical and mental health. Continuing stress is a big risk factor. Don't wait for stress to get so bad that you start feeling depressed or helpless.

• Avoiding alcohol or drugs is good for your health because they can have negative effects on your mind as well as your body.

To find out more about good mental health go to wwww.beyondblue.org.au or call the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636.