#MonthofMindfulness is a social media campaign by AMA Victoria and Doctors’ Health Fund 

to raise awareness of the small things in our lives which lift our mood and can make a difference to how we feel.

Healthcare workers have been under significant pressure for a long time. This can impact our wellbeing and also result in burnout. While we cannot control the external environment, it is important to put in place our own strategies to protect and enhance our own wellbeing. Focusing on what brings us joy and our passions and interest beyond medicine helps each of us to wind down and relax outside our workplaces. Doctors are encouraged to share what brings them joy outside medicine on some specific themes. 

Practicing mindfulness is important for doctors and anyone in a stressful role. During the month, our hope is to remind each other about the simplicity and power of mindfulness and inspire each other by sharing stories.

As part of the camapign, we launch a theme each week and invite you to respond with some words and a photo or image. Courtesy of Doctors’ Health Fund, we have great prizes to share for the best posts on each theme. Winners are chosen by a Doctors' Health Fund office-wide blind vote.

2024 entries have now closed. 

How it works:

Entrants post a photo with their wellbeing tip on social media using the hashtag #MonthofMindfulness and tagging us at @amavictoria (X), @youramavic (Instagram), AMAinVictoria (Facebook) and / or ama-victoria (LinkedIn). 

Our weekly themes include:

Weekly themes:

Pets

Spending time with animals has been shown to have many benefits to our mental wellbeing and physical health. Pets can provide companionship, an opportunity for exercise and play, an icebreaker for social interactions and can help us to relax.

We ask: How does your pet enhance your life? Share a photo of your pet.
Prize - $200 Prezzee voucher 
2024 winner - Maz White

Staying active

Staying active and focusing on maintaining health can significantly enhance our overall wellbeing. Active pasttimes provide an avenue for relaxation and stress relief, promoting mental and emotional balance. Participating in an active lifestyle is particularly valuable to enable us to “turn off” outside the workplace and reduce tension which helps to prevent burnout. Exercise brings physical and mental health benefits, including assisting with emotional health and reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Active pasttimes also ensure we have a broader focus in our lives than just our work, which is an important way to manage the challenges and stress associated with our work. When active lifestyles involve social connection, this grows our community network, which reduces isolation and enables us to meet a broader range of people. Ultimately, being active offers a fulfilling and enjoyable way to relax, contributing to a happier and more balanced life.

We ask: How do you like to keep moving or active? Share a picture of one of your favourite activities.
Prize - $200 Prezzee voucher
2024 winner - Kay Dunkley

Family traditions

Family traditions foster precious moments with loved ones, strengthening social connections. Participating in traditional events, rituals or bonding experiences can broaden horizons and cultivate cultural understanding. Traditions can also offer safety and stability when things in life feel difficult, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity during particularly challenging times.

We ask: What is your favourite family tradition and why? Share a picture of your family's tradition.
Prize - $200 Prezzee voucher
2024 winner - Nisha Khot

Places in nature

Nature offers a crucial respite from the demands of daily life, nurturing overall wellbeing. Spaces in the natural environment can provide a chance for us to unwind, de-stress, and recharge, reducing anxiety and burnout. Places in nature may involve physical exercise which enhances our physical and mental health. Ultimately, nature offers rejuvenation to the body and mind, enhancing overall happiness and life satisfaction.

We ask: What place in nature inspires you the most, and why? Post a picture of your favourite spot.
Prize - $200 Prezzee voucher 
2024 winner - Kay Dunkley
 

Interested in learning more about our #MonthOfMindfulness campaign? You can view last year's winning entries in the 2023 Summer edition of VICDOC.