To begin Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 we will start by exploring:
“Whenua – Our Connection to the Land and Roots”
Whenua is the natural environment; it is where we live. It could also be a place of belonging. A space where you feel free to be your true self. This could be your home, a city, or anywhere your family and loved ones may be.
I have been fortunate enough to be part of a family which has always held a great appreciation for the outdoors. Many weekends are spent finding different walks and trails, enjoying and appreciating the natural world around us.
I always feel my best when I’m outside. Nothing makes me feel more alive than running through a winding forest trail, or feeling the warm sand between by toes as I wander along a beach on a summer’s day. Planning time each weekend to get out and explore provides me with a healthy outlet to escape the stress and busyness which the working week can bring. Appreciating and spending time in nature plays a massive part in helping me maintain my health and wellbeing.
Here are some suggestions for how you can explore whenua for yourself on your way to wellbeing:
Get some friends together and climb a mountain or walk some trails
Not only does this allow you to spend time appreciating your natural world, it allows you to spend quality time with friends while also improving your physical health! You may even be rewarded with a nice view once you reach the top.
Find a farmer’s market and buy some fresh produce to prepare a healthy meal
Our land provides plenty of fresh, healthy food for us. Have a go at making a healthy meal to enjoy with friends or family. Eating healthy is a great way of maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.
Try and produce less waste
This is something I need to try myself. When I stop and think about it, the amount of unnecessary waste I produce is ridiculous. This is a good opportunity to challenge yourself to live minimally and begin to care for the whenua and our natural environment which provides us with a place to live.
Practice mindfulness in nature
Simply sit in a local park, or even your backyard, and just observe. Notice the colour of the sky and any clouds that pass by, listen to birds singing or water flowing, feel the ground beneath your feet. Start to appreciate the beautiful world we live in.
These are just a few ways in which you can explore how whenua can contribute to mental health and wellbeing. If you have time, try and give at least one of these things a go. Don’t take our beautiful world for granted, make the most of your time here and appreciate the gifts this world has to offer.
For more information, visit https://mhaw.nz/
HELPLINES
Need to talk? – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
Youthline – 0800 376 633
POTENTIAL 