Getting Through Together Digest: 5th August 2020
Kia ora. Are you making time for downtime?
It's no secret adjusting to new routines can be tough. And we've had a fair amount of adjusting to do lately!
If you’re slogging away and feeling a bit blah, the best thing to do is to step away for a moment and have a bit of downtime – taking a break for just a few minutes can make a big difference. Downtime can help replenish our tired brains and improve attention and motivation.
Simple things like enjoying music, getting out in nature or rediscovering an old craft can make a big difference. In this issue you will hear about Northland farmer Mark and how having regular time away from the farm helps fill his tank.
Here's a rewarding challenge for you... Set aside time tomorrow to do something that helps you recharge. What's your downtime go-to?
Check out the Downtime Dice on the All Right? website if you are after some downtime inspiration.
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Stepping off the farm to refresh
Farmer Mark Meyer has simple advice for anyone feeling under the pump – ‘stop and smell the roses’.
Mark milks 400 cows on a 190 hectare dairy farm between Whangārei and Dargaville in the Kaipara region and has experienced his fair share of farming challenges, including the recent drought and floods. He and wife, Vicki - and their four children - make sure they step away from the farm regularly to "refresh yourself to keep well physically and mentally.”
“Just stop what you’re doing, jump in your ute, grab some fish and chips and watch the waves at the beach or go grab a coffee in town and chew the fat with a mate. If you just remove yourself from your work environment, even for a little bit, it really helps to put life back in perspective.”
Read more of Mark's story on refreshing off the farm.
Thinking of our family and friends from afar...
Talented Kiwi artist Ruby Alice asked her Instagram followers to identify where in the world they are and how things are feeling.
Caught up with friends and whānau overseas lately?
"NZ and our entire family live overseas so I don't know when we'll next see them".
"Kiwi nurse in Saudi. Often homesick and missing the freedom of NZ".
"London. Stuck here after my visa expired and can't get a flight home. Just want to feel stable!"
"London and feeling unwelcome back home in NZ anytime soon".
Super rugby stars on connection and mental fitness
Sporting communities continue to reunite post noho rāhui/ lockdown. So NZ Rugby and its mental health programme Headfirst have created a campaign to demonstrate the importance of developing personal connections for our mental fitness and wellbeing.
A cast of star players are joining Sir Michael Jones - ahead of the Super Rugby Wellbeing Round kicking off this Saturday - to demonstrate that something as simple as a handshake can support our wellbeing.
“It is a bit fun amongst players to share their personalised handshakes, but the message of personal connections that it portrays is really powerful and relevant at this time.”
Hear from Sir Michael Jones on why connection is more important now than ever (YouTube).
Find out more about the Headfirst mental health programme from NZ Rugby.
When a little goes a long way...
Cuteness overload! One of our smallest Kiwi returnees, Zayan got to celebrate his first birthday even in managed isolation - thanks to some wonderful hotel staff at the Ibis Hamilton Tainui.
On his last day in managed isolation, the staff organised a chocolate cake and balloons and all the returnees leaving on the same day were invited to celebrate. The cake celebration was timed when everyone’s isolation officially ended.
Such a simple thing to do but no doubt a birthday this family won't forget any time soon!
Thanks to our friends at Unite Against Covid-19 for this cuteness (Facebook).
Get your own Downtime Dice
Small breaks can make a big difference.
Order your very own Downtime Dice for a gentle reminder that it's okay to take breaks.
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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