Innertia

Today’s push-up target is 120, reflecting research that found a 12% increase in cognitive ability among older adults who learned new skills.  

Research shows that taking up new skills later in life can improve memory and thinking, helping to keep the brain engaged and functioning well as we age.  

Learning helps the brain grow and adapt by making new connections. This flexibility supports brain health and has been linked to improved mental wellbeing, confidence and happiness, as well as greater social connection and a sense of purpose.  

Easy ways to keep learning 

🧠 Try something unfamiliar – learning a language, instrument or creative skill can challenge your brain. 
🌱 Start small – short, regular practice is enough to support brain health. 
📚 Make it enjoyable – choosing skills you enjoy helps learning stick.

The Push-Up Challenge - Australia

Today’s push-up target is 191, reflecting that adolescents with parents who show warmth, encouragement and positive emotions are 1.91 times more likely to maintain good mental health.

Adolescence is a time of major emotional, social and brain development. How emotions are expressed at home plays an important role in shaping a young person’s sense of safety, belonging and emotional wellbeing during this period of change.

A supportive home environment - where positive emotions are expressed through words, actions and body language - can help adolescents build resilience, regulate emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Parents don’t need to be perfect; small, consistent moments of warmth and encouragement can have a lasting impact.

Tips for parents

💬 Show warmth – kind words, encouragement and interest help young people feel valued.
🤝 Practise active listening – give full attention and validate feelings.
🌱 Model healthy coping – showing how you manage emotions teaches lifelong skills.
❤️ Remember, progress over perfection – consistency matters more than getting it right every time.

The Push-Up Challenge - Australia

**Day late upload because Instagram was a bit of a menace last night**

Today’s push-up target is 167, acknowledging the 16.7% (or one in six) Australians aged 16 – 85 years who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours at some point in their lives.

The idea of someone feeling suicidal can be deeply confronting and hard to understand. People who experience suicidal thoughts are often dealing with overwhelming emotional pain, distress, or difficult life circumstances.

Strong social connection, open conversations and professional support can reduce su***de risk. If you or someone you know is having a tough time, it’s important to reach out. Support from family, friends, or a crisis service may make a life-saving difference.

🗣️ Keep conversations open – talking about mental health can make it easier to seek help.

🚧 Know the signs - changes in mood, increased withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness may indicate someone needs help.
🤝 Stay connected – supportive relationships can reduce isolation and distress.
🧠 Access support early – professional care can help people navigate intense thoughts and feelings.

If a life is in danger, or there is immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services on 000.

If you feel like you can’t cope - Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Su***de Call Back Service (1300 659 467) offer 24/7 help.

The Push-Up Challenge - Australia

Today’s push-up target is 160, for the ~1 in 6 Australians who report feeling lonely.

Loneliness can affect people of any age, background or life stage - even those who appear socially connected. Feeling lonely is a common human experience that can quietly impact mental wellbeing.

Ongoing loneliness can wear down wellbeing over time, making stress feel heavier and everyday challenges harder to manage. Reconnecting, strengthening relationships and feeling understood can help protect mental health. Even small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.

Small ways to reconnect

🤝 Reach out gently – a message or call can be a simple first step.

🌱 Build regular connection – routines like weekly catch‑ups can support wellbeing.
🏘️ Join something local – community groups or shared interests can create a sense of belonging.

The Push-Up Challenge - Australia

Today’s push-up target is 130, for the 1 in 3 people turning to AI for mental health and wellbeing support.

Many people use AI tools because they’re free, immediate and can feel less confronting than talking to someone face-to-face. For some, chatbots can offer prompts, reflection or a starting point when they’re feeling unsure about where to turn.

While AI can be helpful, it can’t replace human connection or qualified mental health care. It doesn’t understand your personal situation, can’t diagnose or treat mental illness, and may pose privacy or safety risks - especially for young people. Support from people still matters.

• 🤖 Understand what AI can (and can’t) do – AI can offer prompts, but it’s not professional care or a replacement for human connection.
• ⏸️ Pause if it feels unhelpful – stop using AI if interactions leave you feeling worse.
• 🤝 Stay connected and seek help – balance digital tools with real-world relationships and professional support.

If you’re a young person with a lot on your mind, headspace can help. There are many ways they can support you in your mental health and wellbeing, and to help you navigate life's challenges. For free and confidential support reach out to headspace.

Today’s push-up target is 170, representing the one in seven school aged students who experience a mental illness each year. 

Mental health challenges during childhood and adolescence can affect learning, friendships and everyday functioning. When young people are experiencing mental ill-health, it can impact confidence, school engagement and emotional development - making early awareness and support especially important during these formative years. 

Anxiety, depression and behavioural conditions are among the most common challenges for young people. When left unaddressed, these can have longer term effects on wellbeing. Building understanding, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations helps young Australians feel supported and more able to access help when needed. 

 Supporting young people’s mental wellbeing 

• 🗣️ Keep conversations open – listen without judgement and make space for honest chats. 
• 🤝 Build wellbeing – encourage young people to stay connected, move their bodies and use helpful coping strategies.  
• 🌱 Seek help early – timely support can reduce the impact and duration of challenges.  

Looking for support? Here are some helplines available for school-aged children and their families:  

headspace offers online and phone support (1800 650 890) for young people aged 12 - 25.  

Kids Helpline  -  telephone and online counselling for people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800. 

Lifeline - phone, text or chat support for anyone having a personal crisis. Call 13 11 14. 

Call Parentline in your state or territory for counselling and support for parents and carers. 

Today’s push-up target is 150, recognising the ~1.5 million Australians living with mood conditions, including depression.

Mood conditions affect how a person feels, thinks and functions day to day. When changes in mood become ongoing or overwhelming, they can make it harder to manage relationships, work or daily activities. Depression and bipolar disorder are both examples of mood conditions.

Mood conditions are common and treatable. Early support, understanding and access to appropriate mental health care can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. With the right support, many symptoms of mood conditions can be managed, and people can maintain good mental health and wellbeing.

🤝 Stay connected – regular connection with others supports mental fitness and reduces isolation.
🩺 Seek early support – professional help can make challenges easier to manage when accessed early.
🌱 Be kind to yourself – mental wellbeing can change over time, and support needs may change too.

Only a short video tonight. Sorry to those who enjoy the show 🤪 dont doubt for a single second that I havent done the complete 120 💪

Today’s target is 120 push-ups, for the ~120 minutes of REM sleep our brains rely on each night to regulate mood and memory.

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is one stage of the natural sleep cycle we move through several times each night. It’s when dreams are most vivid and the brain becomes highly active. REM sleep builds across multiple sleep cycles.

During REM sleep, the brain processes emotions from the day and strengthens memory, helping support emotional regulation. Most adults need around 7–9 hours of total sleep to get enough REM across the night. Children and teenagers need more sleep to support healthy brain development.

😴 Protect your sleep window – aim for consistent bed and wake times to support full sleep cycles.
📵 Wind down early – reduce screens and bright light before bed to help your brain switch into sleep mode.
🌙 Create a sleep-friendly space – keep your bedroom dark, quiet and comfortable.

Today’s push-up target is 72 push-ups, for the 72% of men who don’t seek help when facing mental health challenges.

Many men face barriers to seeking support, including stigma, pressure to uphold stereotypes of traditional masculinity, as well as access barriers like cost and wait times. These pressures can make it harder to speak up, even when someone knows they’re struggling or could benefit from support.

Delaying support can increase how long mental health challenges last and how intense they feel. It’s important to remember that difficult times can be easier to manage with the right help – and no one has to go through it alone.

🗣️ Start the conversation – check in with someone you trust or let a mate know how you’re really going.
🤝 Stay connected – regular connection with others can strengthen mental fitness and reduce isolation.
📞 Know your options – learn what supports are available, including low cost or free services.

Lifeline (13 11 14) can be a helpful first step when things feel tough.