Top 4 atua hacks to kick start your hauora (wellbeing)

1. Pay attention to Tama-nui-te-rā (the sun) 

– Getting sleep

Your natural circadian rhythm is calibrated to the behaviour of various ‎atua (ancestor with continual influence) or natural phenomena. Our eyes and our bodies are attuned to the rays of light that we receive from Tama-nui-te-rā. It triggers a hormonal response to wake us up in the morning, and put us to bed in the evening. When you play on your phone all night, stare at a computer screen, watch tv, or keep your bright household lights on late in to the evening, your body thinks its lunchtime. Ditch all the lights, get a better night’s sleep, and wake up with more energy.

2. Get in touch with Papatūānuku (the earth) 

– Getting outdoors

Māori are believed to have been made from Mother Earth herself, and as such there are strong cultural and spiritual relationships that exist between Māori and the Earth. Walking barefoot exposes you directly to negative ions that has been shown to help decrease inflammation, improve blood flow, reduce blood clotting and improve sleep quality. So ditch the shoes and walk barefoot more often.

3. Dine with Rongomatāne (God of cultivation) 

– Getting good food

All cultivated foods come under the realm of Rongomatāne, who was also responsible for gifting the parts of the puku (stomach) to the first human Hineahuone. Kūmara in particular held a particular special place in traditional Māori society. As a food item it releases energy slowly through the day and helps the body to function efficiently. Studies have also shown that kūmara carry anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties that help our bodies heal. So eat kūmara while it’s relatively cheap, but get dining on clean and natural vegetables.

4. Protect yourself with Tūmatauenga (God of man/war) 

– Getting active

When it came to the art of war, no other atua could match the superiority of Tū. Consequently, the primary influence that Tūmatauenga had on the Māori way of life was to shape the human mind and body for war and battle. Ensuring the safety and longevity of the individual and the wider community was paramount. In the last census, 47% of Māori adults were considered obese. Obesity is quietly, and slowly killing us. Protect yourself from the fatness by getting that body moving, being smart about how you do things (strategise), and conquer bad influences.

Image credit: Gottfried Lindauer 1910 painting of Māori women and children on riverbank

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