Connect/Me Whakawhanaunga
How will you connect with others today?
Connect refers to making social connections, or whakawhanaungatanga. A sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging with others is strongly associated with better wellbeing and other health outcomes through providing a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Nurturing relationships with friends, whānau and work colleagues helps to enhance the benefits of connection and promote a deeper sense of unity and collective wellbeing.
Here are some of the ways you can connect with others today:
- Gather your friends for a cozy night of games, good vibes, and shared laughter.
- Fire up the barbeque, invite your friends and whānau around, and catch up while watching the game.
- Is there someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while? Why not send a message, have a kōrero, or arrange a catch up in person.
- At the end of the day, ask a friend, your whānau or hoamahi what the best thing about their day was and listen with interest when they respond.
- Organise a potluck dinner, barbeque or shared lunch with your whānau, friends or hoamahi. Bring your favourite dish and connect over some delicious kai.
Social connection is the ngākau/heart of our wellbeing. It weaves us together, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. When we nurture meaningful connections with others, we uplift our own wellbeing.