Getting Through Together Digest: 12th April 2020
Happy Easter. How's that staycation going?
If you're lucky then perhaps by now one of our favourite essential workers - the Easter Bunny - has visited.
Otherwise you can get your egg fix by walking round the neighbourhood and counting Easter egg drawings in windows - and maybe counting teddy bears too while you're at it!
You can read about five proven ways to give your wellbeing a boost in this issue - even when you're in rāhui/ lockdown.
We'll also tell you about some awesome new Sparklers at Home activities, and hear from some gorgeous tamariki about why their parents are special to them. Given all the pressure parents place upon themselves, we thought it was time for them to hear a bit of external validation!
Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back if you have some spare time today. By staying at home and working together we're putting a lid on COVID-19. We're not there yet, there's more to do, but we're on track. Love your work Aotearoa!
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Simple things you can do right now to get through
When times are tough, sometimes we can retreat. It's easy to do.
But then how good does it feel when you talk to that friend, take a walk round the block or get lost in a good book. The thing is, there are proven ways to give your wellbeing a boost - even in lockdown.
The British government contracted the New Economics Foundation back in 2008 to come up with a set of actions that improve personal wellbeing. They wanted to develop the ‘5+ a day' fruit and vege rule for wellbeing. The result was a 27-page report that identified five key actions, which if done regularly, are scientifically-proven to lift your wellbeing:
- Connect (me whakawhanaunga);
- Give (tukua);
- Take notice (me aro tonu);
- Keep learning (me ako tonu); and
- Be active (me kori tonu).
These simple actions are proven to make us feel good, even when times are tough.
Here are some suggestion on how each of these ways to wellbeing can be done while in lockdown.
Sharing the love from one gen to the next
Right now, many of us are spending a lot of time together in our bubbles. We're wearing multiple hats, and doing what we can to get through together.
For parents and caregivers especially - this rāhui has presented some really challenging and testing times. If you're feeling under the pump or are a bit all over the place rest assured you're in good company.
Nigel Latta said this week - don't beat yourself up if your children are having more screen time than usual, or if some days just feel really hard. This is a tough time but things will get back to normal.
Chances are your children (rightfully!) think you're doing great.
Watch a video of kids from Glentunnel in Canterbury saying how awesome their parents are during lockdown.
Wellbeing strategies for home
Term 2 starts in a couple of days and we know that many of us parents are feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of supporting home-learning.
The team at All Right? have created Sparklers at Home to make it a bit easier. This is a website full of wellbeing activities that parents can do with their children in their living room or on their lawn.
Backed by the latest wellbeing science and psychology, these fun activities help tamariki learn skills to stay calm, reduce their anxiety, and become more engaged in their learning.
If you are a parent, please remember to go easy on yourself during home-learning time.
Most of us don’t teach for a living, so we don’t need to hold ourselves to the gold ‘teacher’ standard. Our kids are learning all the time from us, and that’s going to continue throughout this time. Take it easy!
Not all right?
For many of us, these new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress. We want you to know that however you’re feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s okay to reach out if you need to - we all need a bit of support from time-to-time.
Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime - it’s free and completely confidential. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357.
Check out the Mental Health Foundation’s website for further advice on how to stay mentally well during this time.
Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.
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