Look after up top, with a Top Up.
Connect
Connect
Talk and listen – me kōrero, me whakarongo, be there – me whakawātea i a koe, feel connected – me rongo i te whanaungatanga.
Building meaningful relationships with family/whānau, friends, workmates, neighbours and the community goes a long way to increasing your sense of belonging and strengthening personal wellbeing. Through sharing experiences, you can discover how you can support others, and during times of distress you have support too.
Some ideas:
- Join a group: it could be your local sports team, hobby or games club, or choir - whatever interests you most.
- Have a family WIFI, TV and text free day and bring out the old board games.
- Read a book in the library – you don’t have to talk, just being with others can help you feel connected.
Give
Give
Give your time, your words, your presence - tukua te wā ki a koe, ō kupu, ko koe tonu.
Volunteering and being involved with your community is strongly linked with feeling good and functioning well. Carrying out acts of kindness, whether small or large, can increase happiness, life satisfaction and general sense of wellbeing. Even a smile is something we can all give.
Some ideas:
- Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone, smile, or volunteer your time by joining a community group.
- While driving, stop to let a car into the traffic.
- Join a community clean up day – it could be a local stream, river, beach or park - or a tree planting project with friends or family.
Take Notice
Take Notice
Remember the simple things that give you joy – me aro tonu ki ngā mea māmā noa i ngākau harikoa ai koe.
Paying more attention to what is happening right now, to our thoughts and feelings and to the world around us boosts our wellbeing, helping us understand our values and appreciate what matters to us. Taking notice can include gratitude, forgiveness, reflection and building a life that is meaningful to you.
Some ideas:
- Pause and breathe - take 10 mindful breaths in and out, calming the body and mind, then simply rest where you are, noticing the world around you and what you are feeling.
- Pay attention to the first mouthful of food you eat. See if you can really pay attention to all the flavours and textures of the food, the act of chewing and the act of swallowing.
- Take a break and go for a walk in nature. Listen to the birds, and notice the changing season and the environment around you.
Keep Learning
Keep Learning
Embrace new experiences – awhitia te wheako hou, see opportunities – kimihia ngā ara hou, surprise yourself – me ohorere koe i a koe anō.
Learning, staying curious and setting goals are important for everyone at every stage of life. It helps children’s brains to grow healthy and strong, plus helps them to learn social skills and community values. For adults, learning helps us to set and achieve goals which is strongly connected to higher levels of wellbeing.
Some ideas:
- Learn a new skill or rediscover an old interest – it could be learning a musical instrument or how to cook your favourite food.
- Discover something you don’t know about your hometown or local area – check out local history societies, books, or talk to your neighbours.
- Learn another language. He kōrero Māori koe? Parlez-vous francais? How about New Zealand sign language?
Be Active
Be Active
Do what you can – whāia te mea ka taea e koe, enjoy what you do – kia pārekareka tāu i whai ai, move your mood – kia pai ake ō piropiro.
Being physically active is shown to boost our wellbeing and decrease stress, depression and anxiety. Discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Some ideas:
- Bring activity into the everyday – use the stairs instead of the lift, walk over to workmates to talk with them instead of phoning, or get off the bus one stop earlier than your stop.
- Take a family walk after dinner, or a longer one on the weekend.
- Check out your garden - pulling some weeds or planting something new can help you work up a sweat.
Wellbeing support
