Wellbeing
Prompting wellbeing is something I am very passionate about. I have spent a number of years working as a youth worker, supporting and mentoring girls who are struggling. The majority of the time these girls have been struggling with something to do with their mental health, whether it is anxiety, self image, depression, or unhealthy friendships/relationships. All of these effecting there wellbeing either because they have a lack of knowledge on how look after the different areas of their wellbeing or that one area of their wellbeing in 'damaged' and effecting the other areas.
This model developed by the Mental Health Foundations of New Zealand is one of many models that provide ideas and straggles to help bust your wellbeing.
Connect (Me Whakawhanaunga)
Join a club or sports team, do things with your family and friends, have a meal or coffee date with someone you haven't seen in a well, organize an event in your community/neighborhood. We are social beings, it is important for us to make connections with people.
Give (Tukua)
You have something to give, whether its a skill, knowledge, a language or even just your time. There are a lot of ways you can give, whether you mentor a young person in your community, teach someone the skills of your trade or cooking a meal for someone in need. When we give it bring us joy.
Take Notice (Me aro tonu)
What sparks joy? What catches your eye? Find the beauty that is around you, take the time out to watch the sun set, or sit among the trees listening to the leaves rustle in the wind. My favourite is taking a walk down the beach and getting my feet wet while collecting shells.
Keep Learning (Me ako tonu)
Explain your knowledge by learning something new or develop skills and knowledge you all ready have. Learn a new language, explain your baking skills, take up photography or read a book about the history of our country.
Be Active (Me Kori tonu)
Find something active that you enjoy doing, you could even bring others along with you. Whether it is going for a walk, playing social netball or swimming. For me, I do Zumba which is something fun and enjoyable for me to keep myself active.
For more information about this model visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/home/ways-to-wellbeing-2/
Also have wee look at my post titled 'Te Whare Tapa Whā' for a Māori perspective on wellbeing.
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