Like any other working Australian, the importance of time off is huge for mental health rejuvenation. When your job involves long periods away from family and friends, consists of long shifts, lonely nights and a whole lot of travel to and from sites in remote areas, the importance is even higher. For those who work in the mining and resources sector, these things are a given with the job. Mental health is a huge issue for everyone in the industry, its researched and spoken about constantly in the media, yet the problem still exists, and gets bigger. Although most mining and resources companies work to find solutions, everyone is different, and everyone reacts differently to the FIFO lifestyle.
The FIFO Blues are common, in fact, statistics show that FIFO workers are twice as likely to suffer from depression than the rest of the general Australian population. There is no doubt it is a serious issue within the industry, so how do you go about beating it? What can you do as a FIFO worker to combat the darkness of depression?
There are many ways to battle depression. They begin with acknowledgement that something is wrong. You can try things like counselling, a medication program with a reliable GP, a good support network, but most of all you will need patience, commitment and determination to heal in due process.
Of course, one of the best ways to battle depression is to do things that make you happy, with people you enjoy spending time with. This could be family, friends, or even strangers. There is nothing like implementing a positive change in your life to bring back some happiness, and we all know that a change is as good as a holiday. So, what is the point of this article? Your next holiday!
When you take time off, one of the most important things to do is take time out for yourself, and get back into the routine of life, rather than work. There are things you must do when away from site to make it worth returning. Sleep, exercise, socialising and doing something fun are of vital importance. What was the most fun thing you did on your last break? Did you travel to somewhere interesting?
Of all the great locations within a short flight of home, wherever it is you live in Australia, there are three we are going to focus on in this article: Fiji, Broome, and The Hunter Valley.
Fiji
There are very good reasons to visit each of these places, no matter where you reside. Fiji is the obvious one, because visiting a tropical island actually feels like a holiday, no matter who you are. Even if you already live on a tropical island, visiting another tropical island feels like a holiday. Fiji has many benefits for the FIFO worker. It is only a short flight from the east coast’s major cities, and even if you live in Perth, although it takes a few hours longer to get there, it’s a very different destination to visit than places like Bali or Thailand. It’s a great family destination, one of the best in the world. It’s relatively cheap to fly and stay, and there are many resorts that offer all-inclusive packages.
Hunter Valley
If you are looking for a getaway that will relax you, the hunter valley in NSW is a great destination. With small towns and a region inundated with wineries, breweries, cheese factories, farm fresh foods and a whole lot of beautiful views, Hunter Valley is the perfect location to find yourself with not a lot of plans and a level serenity only this region can offer. An excellent location for couples and families alike, it is within driving distance from Sydney, and if you’re up for a decent road trip, you can get there in a day from both Brisbane and Melbourne.
Broome
For those who live in WA, and are looking to explore the north, Broome is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the state. Featuring over 20 kilometres of white sandy beaches where you can relax with family and friends, Broome is not just one of the most beautiful towns in Australia, but it is one of the most visited places in the world.
Travel is one of the best ways to reboot your brain, and a great way to reconnect with your family, and of course, reconnect with yourself.
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