MHAW 2022: How to reconnect

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week was about how you reconnect with the people and places that lift you up and help you feel calm and balanced. Here at MAS, we’re on a mission to inspire a healthier Aotearoa New Zealand, and we know our Members share this goal too.

We asked MAS Members for their top tips on how they reconnect to give their mental and physical health a boost. Thank you to everyone who sent in ideas – we love to see the practical ways you prioritise your wellbeing all year-round. Here are a few of our favourite Member suggestions on how we can reconnect with our wellbeing every day. 

Get outdoors

A common way for MAS Members to reconnect is to spend time outdoors and in nature, especially when combined with exercise. 

Magdalene said, “Never underestimate how awesome fresh air is for the body, soul and mind, especially on very hectic clinical days. Make time to go for an outdoor walk each day, even if it's just a 20-minute stroll during your lunch break.” 

Carmen recommended heading outdoors and moving, whether through “A stroll in the park or a walk around the beachfront. Get blood flow to the brain and Vitamin D for that mood boost.”

Lots of Members said spending time in and around the water helps them feel more balanced.

Jordyn told us he loves “A sunrise surf where I can forget about work and pressures and focus on a completely different skill, talking to new and different people and enjoying the views.”

Daniel agreed, “Take time to go for a swim, visit a beach, a river or a lake. Even just dipping your toes will help ground your senses.”

Make the time 

Some MAS Members told us they actively put aside time for self-care and getting in touch with how they’re feeling.

Kativa said “I treat my reconnection and reset time the same way I treat a client – by giving it 100% of my undivided attention. I listen to the sounds around me, the people I am with, and immerse myself in the downtime. I don't try to do more than one thing at a time.”

Connect with people you love

Spending time with our favourite people is a sure-fire way to help us feel more connected and calm. 

Eugene summarised this perfectly, saying “Relationships are our interconnectedness with society. They include those with our whānau, friends, spouse and work colleagues. Life presents many challenges and cultivation of these relationships is important when enduring difficult times at work or at home. 

“Communication and emotional support are your lifeline. This could include a phone call, or meeting up for a meal or sporting activity,” he says.  

Sharing meals with people you love was highly recommended by Members. Philip enjoys holding regular pot-luck lunches or dinners, saying the experience has helped bring him closer to friends and family. 

Remind yourself of what matters 

Sometimes reconnecting can be as simple as reminding yourself of the things that bring you joy. 

Kate suggested keeping a gratitude jar. “We write what we are feeling grateful for that day, and fold up the note and put it in the jar. We are looking forward to New Year's Eve, when we are going to read them all out, and start afresh next year.”

Lydia took a similar approach, saying “When I am in a good head space, I note down what brings me joy, helps me to reconnect, and create and nurture meaningful relationships. When I’m in need of a reminder I have a list I know will help me with my mental health, and I reach out to the people on my list or make some time to do something to fill my cup.” 

Do a digital detox

Spending some time away from screens is a great way to reconnect and relax. Monique said she makes time every day to “take a breath, disconnect from technology and have a moment in nature, and take time to listen to people talking.”

Emily combines this with spending time outdoors, saying “My tip for reconnecting is getting back to basics, for example going camping in nature with a loved one. Turn off the phone and get in tune with the sunshine and birdsong.”

Find joy in the everyday

Rachel aims to find connection and meaning in her work every day. She referred to a quote from supermodel Linda Evangelista, who once said she didn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000.

“Every day I try to find the one thing that it was worth me getting out of bed and going to work for,” Rachel says. 

“Often it's a case where I've helped one of my animal patients feel less pain, stressed or uncomfortable, even if it was a relatively simple fix from my point of view. More often, it's that I've helped a pet owner feel less worried, less alone or more peaceful with any tough decisions they might be facing. The best ones are when I help a colleague to learn a new skill or technique that will ease their load. 

“I always tell the people involved (I don't know if the animals listen in) that they or their pet is my ‘one thing’ for that day – so they know that on some level, they've made a difference to my day too. The supermodels can keep their money, I love what I do.”