How can I improve my health for free?
Keen to make healthier choices without the big cost?
The importance of sustaining good physical and mental health has long been a message from medical experts. We’re often told about the benefits of sustaining a healthy lifestyle; it improves everything from physical strength and general wellness to mental health and brain function. However, improving your health can be easier said than done, in no small part because it can often feel like you need to take out a small loan to fund the gym memberships, powders, potions and next trends.
But, if you’re keen to make healthier choices but you don’t have unlimited cash to splash, we’ve put together a range of free ways you can look after your physical and mental health.
Free mental health help
Mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation. With an estimated 42.9% of Aussies ages 16-85 experiencing a mental health condition in their lifetime, opens in a new tab, it’s never been more important to look after yourself.
There are a number of free apps and online resources, including:
Lifeline Support Toolkit, opens in a new tab offers a range of resources and direct support for specific mental health issues that are specific to you.
This Way Up, opens in a new tab provides online mental health programs that have been clinically proven to help with a range of mental health issues. The evidence-based Coping with Stress, opens in a new tab course helps with learning how to manage stress more effectively.
The MindSpot Clinic, opens in a new tab offers a free online and telephone service for those with symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Clearhead Finding a Purpose, opens in a new tab gives interactive, on-demand support and resources for people not in crisis, but whose mental health would strongly benefit from personal growth.
If you are concerned about your mental health, it’s important to get personalised advice
from your GP. After an initial assessment, your GP can provide you with a referral to see a psychologist for six Medicare, opens in a new tab rebatable sessions, opens in a new tab. Once those six sessions are up, you can head back to your GP to ask for a referral for more rebatable sessions, with a maximum of 10 single sessions or 10 group sessions each calendar year, opens in a new tab.
Need more information about mental health services? If you or someone you know needs help, please call:
Lifeline, opens in a new tab 13 11 14
Beyond Blue, opens in a new tab 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline, opens in a new tab 1800 55 1800
Related: 6 ways to get help for mental health - and you won’t have to pay a thing!, opens in a new tab
Free ways to work on your fitness
There’s no reason to let your fitness suffer just because you can’t afford exxy gym memberships, opens in a new tab.
Got a smartphone or a laptop? There are plenty of online videos and programs available and you don’t need to pay a cent. At nib, we work with a range of fitness experts to develop workouts for every level. As a start, try these workouts in the comfort of your own home:
7 bodyweight workouts you can do at home, opens in a new tab
5 simple morning stretches for beginners, opens in a new tab
Free health tools
It’s not exercise that gives you great health benefits. Health checks, mental health information and resources and nutritional support (all along with fitness) give you a holistically healthy life. They also don’t need to cost you the earth. In fact, there are totally free health tools that help give you guidance on a range of health services and resources.
nib's GreenPass , opens in a new tabis a free entry point to health cover, that offers access to discounted rates on services like GP telehealth, and discounts on leading fitness and health brands.
What benefits do I get from joining GreenPass?
GreenPass, opens in a new tab is a free way to access support across various aspects of your health journey. It gives savings on:
fitness classes
travel
fitness products
meal subscriptions.
Additionally, access to helpful healthy information like recipes, tips on managing sleep, stress and mental wellbeing.
Discover more about GreenPass
Ready to access a free membership? It takes just a few minutes to sign up and you’ll be able to start using rewards and discounts from some of your favourite brands immediately – including Garmin, New Balance, Hello Fresh and more.
Find out more at the dedicated GreenPass page.
Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.