Mental Health Awareness Week 2020: Reimagining mental wellbeing (NZ)
What keeps you well? Get involved and reimagine mental wellbeing this MHAW in New Zealand.
In New Zealand the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 is ‘Reimagine Wellbeing Together – He Tirohanga Anamata’.
There’s no escaping 2020 has created some huge challenges. Home, travel, gym, work, grocery shopping ⏤ almost every part of everyday life has been impacted by Covid-19. And it’s become more apparent that we need to take care of our mental wellbeing and help support the people around us.
This year many of us have discovered new ways of wellbeing, like the joys of baking bread or restorative daily walks. Or we’ve rediscovered old simple pleasures, like running or spending more time at home with family.
We all have mental wellbeing and are varied, diverse and wonderful creatures. That’s why the key to mental wellbeing is figuring out what works to keep you well. And that’s why we LOVE this year’s MHAW NZ theme and now is the perfect time to reimagine mental wellbeing.
“MHAW is a chance to build on the simple things we’ve been doing to look after ourselves, and this year we're asking you to reimagine what wellbeing looks like – together.”
Over the next week, we’ve planned some awesome stuff for you to get involved with MHAW and use to start thinking about your mental wellbeing and what keeps you well. And you don’t have to be in New Zealand to get involved ⏤ all our mates and users in Australia and friends of Mentemia are invited to join us in the conversation.
We’ll be doing this for Mental Health Week in Australia on 10-17 October as well so watch this space for that one too.
One of the foundations for MHAW and the daily themes is Te Whare Tapa Whā ⏤ a Māori health model developed by Sir Mason Durie in 1984 that describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui (meeting house). Explore how Te Whare Tapa Whā connects with Mentemia’s 6 pillars of mental wellbeing.
Image via Mental Health Foundation.
So here’s what’s coming up from Mentemia for MHAW.
Rāhina / Monday: Recharge with others / Whiria te muka tangata
Live Chat: Sir John Kirwan and Dr Fiona Crichton on the importance of staying connected at 3pm. Join via Zoom or Facebook.
Do: Spin the Wheel of Kindness in the Mentemia app and complete a random act of kindness for someone in your life or community.
Read: ‘7 ways to brighten someone’s day’ for kindspiration via the Mentemia app or blog.
Rātū / Tuesday: Rediscover everyday wonder / Wūāia ngā mīharotanga o ia rā
Live Chat: Lila O’Farrell and JK on the importance of mindfulness at 12:30pm. Join via Zoom or Facebook.
Do: Clear your mind and relax your body. Try using the Breath training in the app. See if it can help you be more mindful and present.
Read: ‘What is mindfulness and how can it help’ by Lila O’Farrell via the Mentemia app or blog.
Explore the new Mindfulness Collection in the app to explore more about mindfulness, including articles, guided meditations and videos with Lila and JK.
Rāapa / Wednesday: Return to nature / Hono ki te taiao
Live Chat: Jazz Thornton and JK on the benefits of nature for your mental wellbeing at 5pm. Join via Zoom or Facebook.
Do: Find time to get your nature fix today. If you can’t get outside, use the Soundscape mixer in the app and listen to nature sounds to unwind and relax.
Read: ‘7 incredible benefits of being in nature’ via the Mentemia app or blog.
Rāpare / Thursday: Refuel your body / Whakamarohi i tō tinana
Live Chat: Nikki Hart and JK on the benefits of eating well for your mental wellbeing at 10:30am. Join via Zoom or Facebook.
Do: Notice how your body and food make you feel. Use the Mood Tracker in the app. It might help you recognise things affecting your energy and mood.
Read: ‘7 healthy food swaps to boost your energy’ by Nikki Hart via the Mentemia app or blog.
Rāmare / Friday: Refresh your mind / Whāngaia tō hinengaro
Live Chat: Dr Nic Gill and JK on the benefits of exercise for your mind and wellbeing at 10am. Join via Zoom or Facebook.
Do: If you’ve got worries about exercise, your body, or stress is stopping you from moving, try using the Worry Map in the app to help you make a plan and release your worries.
Read: ‘5 reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with getting fit’ by Dr Nic Gill via the Mentemia app or blog.
