Hope is the belief that things will improve - this is different to ‘wishing’ things will improve....
Being hopeful means you believe things will get better, even if it will be challenging along the way.
There are many benefits to being hopeful or ‘holding hope’ – better physical health, stronger social supports, longer life, less depression and anxiety – and that’s just for adults!
Being hopeful can help tamariki do better in school and have better health and wellbeing.
And it just feels good – like a touch of sun on your back – there’s a warmth about being hopeful.
We know the thought of COVID can make feeling hopeful a lot harder.
So, if you are wanting to capture more hope and optimism (and we recommend that you do!) here are some life hacks for when it’s hard:
- Watch, read or listen to an inspirational or motivational speaker
- Start scrolling for inspirational stories of people who have overcome adversity
- Connect with people who you come away from feeling brighter and who are encouraging
- Reflect on some of your challenging times and how you overcame them – look to apply some of the same learnings and take some of those same steps, despite the different circumstances
- Imagine one year from now doing the things you love doing – you might even start some planning!