 |
Aroha: Māori wisdom for a contented life lived in harmony with our planet Elder, H. (2020). Penguin Books. |
 |
Whakarongo ki ō Tūpuna | Listen to your Ancestors Joseph, D., & Te Whata, M. (2019). New Zealand: Oratia Books. This picture book centres around how a teacher guides her granddaughter and her pupils to walk the path of their ancestors/tūpuna. |
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:
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.
How will you give to others today?
Give is about kindness, altruism, or generosity. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. When we help others, it gives us purpose and a sense of belonging. Sharing acts of kindness and your time with others can strengthen relationships and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Here are some of the ways you can give today:
What better time than Mental Health Awareness Week to Top Up Together by doing something nice for your friends, whānau or colleagues?
What steps will you take toward being active today?
Being active is not only important for our physical wellbeing, it’s also a powerful mood booster. Moving our tinana/body can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation and enhance overall mental resilience. Being active with whānau and friends can boost motivation, strengthen social bonds, and make physical activity more enjoyable.
Here are some of the ways you can be active today:
Being active can make us feel good, and it helps us feel connected with our communities. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood and increase feelings of happiness.
What will you take notice of today?
Take Notice refers to the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be thought of as open and receptive attention to, and awareness of, what is occurring in the present moment. There is robust scientific evidence supporting mindfulness practice as beneficial to our hauora (mental, physical, spiritual, social/relationships). Practicing mindfulness with others can deepen connection and enhance our collective sense of wellbeing.
Here are some of the ways you can take notice today:
Top up your wellbeing by being present - use today as a reminder to pay more attention to the present moment, to your thoughts and feelings, and to others around you.
How will you keep learning today and beyond?
Keep Learning refers to ‘exercising our mind’ – almost like taking our brain to the gym. Learning something new together with friends or whānau can boost motivation, enhance understanding and offer a sense of shared growth and discovery.
Here are some of the ways you can keep learning today:
Evidence suggests that learning or trying new things creates a sense of achievement, competence and stimulates engagement with the world around us.
