Mind Your Melon – Session 2

On 28 May, participants came together for the second Mind Your Melon session with Tom from Healthy Minds, continuing the exploration of the “7 Secrets to a Healthy Mind”.

The session focused on understanding the relationship between our thoughts, emotions and behaviours, while providing practical tools to support wellbeing and resilience in everyday life.

One of the key messages from the session was that emotions are functional — they exist for a reason and play an important role in how we respond to the world around us. However, while emotions are natural, our thoughts are not always reliable. The session explored how anxious or negative thinking patterns can shape our reactions and how developing healthier thinking habits can help us respond more constructively.

Participants were introduced to the concept of “healthy thinking” — balanced, realistic and helpful thinking that allows us to challenge assumptions, rationalise our responses and make more intentional decisions.

Another important discussion centred around understanding our individual “stress signature” — the early signs that indicate stress may be building. Identifying these signs allows people to proactively use their own “life medicine”: the activities, habits and supports that help them stay mentally well.

A particularly powerful reminder from the session was that emotions do not control behaviour. Even in difficult moments, we still have choices in how we respond. Asking ourselves, “What is the helpful thing to do now?” can help create space for calmer, more constructive reactions.

The session also highlighted the importance of self-compassion and maintaining a healthy relationship with ourselves. As discussed during the workshop, the most important relationship in our lives is often the one we have with ourselves — and learning to respond with kindness rather than criticism is an important part of maintaining good mental health.

The Mind Your Melon program continues to create safe and supportive spaces for open conversations about wellbeing, resilience and mental fitness, while helping participants build practical tools to support themselves and others.