5 ways to health

Give your time

Giving makes us feel good. It gives us a sense of purpose, self-worth and connection and also builds mana. Giving is not just about money or sharing material things though – it’s about giving your time, your words, and your presence. It’s about having a spirit of generosity, and taking an active part in the life of your whānau and community.

Be active

Physical activity boosts our mood and increases our sense of wellbeing. And it doesn’t have to be particularly difficult to achieve this – you just need to get out there and move, do what you can, and enjoy what you do. Physical activity can increase your self-belief and ability to cope with difficult situations, and give you a real sense of achievement. It also helps to prevent depression and anxiety, and is an important part of managing many health conditions.

Take notice

Remember the simple things that give you joy. Taking full notice of what is happening within and around you can boost your sense of wellbeing. It’s about appreciating the little things and savouring the moment. It can involve practicing gratitude for the good things in our lives, finding activities that are completely absorbing, or learning mindfulness.

The study also showed that people’s wellbeing increased as they took notice more, with people who took notice “always” having an average wellbeing score of 48.1, compared with 28.0 for people who “never” took notice.

A recent analysis of 47 clinical trials from around the world found that mindfulness meditation programmes can produce small to moderate improvements in multiple aspects of psychological stress, including anxiety, depression, pain, stress/distress and mental health-related quality of life.

Connect

We all need to feel close to other people, and valued by them. So relationships and taking part in social life are essential for our mental wellbeing. For most of us, whānau are also a real source of strength. It’s about being there for others, talking and listening, and feeling connected. Building connections also means taking the time to connect with yourself – your spirituality and culture – and with the natural environment.

Keep learning

Learning, being curious and setting goals is important for everyone. It helps to build self-esteem and social connections, and helps us to live a more active and involved life. Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom – it’s about exploring new ideas, seeing opportunities, embracing new experiences and sharpening your skills. It means being curious and having an enquiring mind, in all areas of life.