Self Care and Coping
We know it can be difficult looking after yourself and your loved one at the same time, as well as juggling all the everyday demands of life. But caring for yourself is a necessary part of caring for others. We have gathered some handy information and ideas to help you practice positive self-care.
Five Ways to Wellbeing
Building the following 5 actions into your daily and weekly life will enhance your wellbeing and grow your resilience to cope with daily pressures.
1. Me whakawhanaunga – Connect
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Creating and maintaining relationships is a powerful boost to wellbeing. Our relationships help us feel valued, loved and give us meaning and purpose.
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We should all nurture positive relationships. These can be with whānau (family), friends, colleagues and neighbours. They can be at home, work, school and in your local community.
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Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them.
Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
2. Tukua – Give
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Kindness can give our mood an instant boost. Everyone has something to give, whether it is a compliment or lending a hand. Kind acts make us feel better and help us build connections with others.
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Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Seeing yourself and your happiness linked to others and the wider community can be incredibly rewarding. It also creates connections with the people around you.
3. Me aro tonu – Take Notice
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We are often told to stop and smell the roses. When we take notice, we are giving ourselves space to become mindful, breathe and slow down.
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When was your last moment of awe? Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Savour the moment and tune in with all your senses whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends.
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Growing mindfulness will help you regulate your emotions and maintain a calm focus. It will also help you practice gratitude and appreciate what matters to you.
4. Me ako tonu – Keep Learning
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Learning helps keep our minds active, which helps our wellbeing.
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Be curious about the world around you. Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike.
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Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Learn te reo Māori.
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Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
5. Me kori tonu – Be Active
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Moving is not only good for our bodies, it also makes a real difference to how we feel. It does not always mean getting sweaty. Activities like walking the dog or dancing through the house also work a treat! Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance or stretch regularly. Exercising makes you feel good.
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Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy and suits your level of mobility and fitness.