Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand encouraged people to reconnect and boost emotional wellbeing, hei pikinga waiora.

If you missed marking this, you can use some of the following ideas at any time of the year. 

Why not step away from the office for a walk or a cuppa, or reach out to a friend for a face-to-face catchup , kanohi ki te kanohi.

Another idea is to visit a favourite spot, a beach, a nearby river, a peaceful park, or a bush walk. Noting on a piece of paper three things you are grateful for can be a positive step. Getting creative by colouring in can be a calming activity not only for tamariki, but for adults of all ages.
 

As people of faith, we have a wealth of resources and ideas of what to do to reconnect and boost emotional wellbeing: prayer, spending time with others, boosting the confidence and sense of aroha for people around you through practical acts of kindness and love. 

Have a look at https://mhaw.nz/ for more tips, resources and ideas. 

Individuals within Parishes within our Diocese along with Social Services and other institutions are often on the front line of working with people who are experiencing some form of mental illness. Often one of the best things any of us can do is "just be" with others, sharing Christ's love, compassion, friendship and a sense of conectedness. 

Keep remembering those you care about - as well as all those who care for others - as mental health awareness week draws to a close for another year.