Me Aro Tonu – Take Notice
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and today we’re focusing on one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Take Notice.
Life can be busy, and we often rush through our days without noticing the little things around us.
Taking time to slow down, be present and appreciate the small things, can help reduce stress, lift our mood and support our mental wellbeing.
Here are a few simple things you could try today:
*Reflect on your day – Ask yourself, “What was the best part of my day?” Better still, ask someone else and share your answers.
*Notice the little things – Look out for something beautiful on your way to work, listen to the birds or enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.
*Be present – Put your phone aside and savour the moment, whether it’s enjoying your morning cuppa, sharing a meal, spending time with family or friends, or simply having a good conversation. Give it your full attention.
*Pause and breathe – Stop what you’re doing and take 5 slow breaths. Notice how you’re feeling and what’s happening around you.
*Practice gratitude – At the end of the day, think of three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things!
*Reflect on your day – Ask yourself, “What was the best part of my day?” Better still, ask someone else and share your answers.
We’d love to hear from you! What’s one small thing you took a moment to notice or appreciate today?
Me Kori Tonu – Be Active!
Did you know your muscles can help boost your mood?
When we move our bodies, our muscles release special chemical messengers, sometimes called “hope molecules”. These travel to the brain and have positive effects on our mood.
It’s one of the fascinating ways our bodies and minds are connected!
The good news? All movement counts!
You don’t need to go to the gym or run a marathon. Walking, dancing, gardening, vacuuming or playing with the kids – it all gets your body moving!
Try some movement snacks!
If you’re short on time or find longer periods of activity difficult, little bursts of movement throughout the day can be a great place to start.
*Take a walk around the block.
*Take the stairs instead of the lift.
*Park further away or get off the bus a stop early.
*Put on your favourite song and have a dance.
*Look for opportunities to move more and sit less. Small changes to your everyday routine can really add up.
*Do what you can and enjoy what you do.
Find something you enjoy, try something new, or get moving with others. A walk and a chat with a friend can be good for both your body and mind.
Remember, start small and move in ways that work for you. Every bit of movement counts!
What’s your favourite way to get moving?
Tukua – Give!
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and today we’re focusing on another of the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Give!
Did you know that giving isn’t just good for the person receiving? Acts of kindness can boost our own happiness and wellbeing too!
And giving doesn’t have to mean spending money. Some of the most meaningful things we can give are our time, our attention and our kindness.
Here are a few simple ways to give today:
*Give your time – Check in on a friend, visit a neighbour or spend some quality time with someone you care about.
*Give your words – Offer a genuine compliment, say thank you or let someone know how much you appreciate them.
*Give your presence – Put your phone away and really listen when someone is talking. Sometimes giving someone your full attention is the best gift of all.
*Give a helping hand – Offer to help someone with a task, make a cuppa for a colleague or do something thoughtful without being asked.
*Give a smile – A warm smile or friendly gesture can brighten someone’s day.
Even the smallest gestures can make a difference.
Today’s challenge: Do one small act of kindness for someone else. It doesn’t need to be anything big!
We’d love to hear your ideas! What’s a small act of kindness that has made your day? Share it in the comments – you might inspire someone else.
Me ako tonu – Keep Learning!
Today’s focus for Mental Health Awareness Week is Keep Learning, one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
Learning something new isn’t just good for our brains – it’s good for our mental wellbeing too! It can boost our confidence, give us a sense of achievement and help us feel more connected to the world around us.
And learning doesn’t have to mean studying or taking a course. It could be trying a new recipe, learning a few words of te reo Māori, picking up a new hobby or simply getting curious about something you’ve always wondered about.
Give your brain a little work out and try something new.
Me Whakawhanaunga – Connect!
It’s the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week, and today we’re exploring the last of the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect!
Connection is so important for our mental wellbeing. It helps us feel supported, valued and that we belong.
But connection isn’t just about people. It can also be about our pets, nature, our culture, our community or the places that feel like home.
And there are lots of simple ways to feel more connected:
*Share a cuppa, a laugh or a chat with someone.
*Spend time in nature – a walk in the bush, a spot of gardening or simply sitting outside.
*Enjoy the company of your pets.
*Reach out to someone you haven’t caught up with in a while.
*Get involved in something in your community or spend time somewhere you feel you belong.
At St Martins Medical, we’re finishing the week with some shared kai and a chance to connect as a team.
Connection looks different for everyone. Whatever helps you feel connected, make a little time for it.
