Looking after my Wellbeing

For many of us, when we talk about mental health we’re often talking about mental ill-health. But, like physical health, mental health is something we all have and we need to look after it. There is no health without mental health.

Mental Health & Wellbeing is very similar to physical health. We train hard so that we can perform at our best and be more resilient to injuries. The same goes for our mental health. Making sure we have the skills and support we need to tackle challenges allows us to enjoy life and strengthens our overall sense of wellbeing.

Good mental health boosts our physical health, creates resilience, and helps us to feel happy, confident and secure.

Te Whare Tapa Whā

One way of thinking about our wellbeing is as a wharenui or house.
Each side of the house represents a different aspect of wellbeing with the fifth element being our connection back to the land (whenua).

Taking time to look after and strengthen each of the four walls means we are more likely to be able to cope with challenges and enjoy life the way we want to.

Taha Hinengaro (Mental & Emotional Wellbeing)

The way we think, feel and behave. This is often strongly linked to our level of self-awareness. Taking care of our mental fitness, even when we’re feeling good, is a strong protective factor.
Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing)

Our physical body and its health and growth. Physical health is strongly connected to all parts of our wellbeing. Making healthy choices can have a big impact on our mind and overall health.
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing)

Our values and beliefs. These can be linked to a particular religion or faith but can also be about a sense of connectedness to self, whānau and community.
Taha Whānau (Family & Social Wellbeing)

Our connection to our whakapapa, sense of identity and relationships with friends and family. Building strong connections with others gives us a feeling of belonging and strengthens our wellbeing.
Whenua (Land & Roots)

Our connection to the land.Whenua in this context also refers to our turangawaewae,
our whakapapa and our identity just as much as our physical environment.

Signs You Might Be Struggling

We can all go through times where we struggle with our mental wellbeing. It’s important to have an idea of what some of the common signs are so you can keep an eye out for yourself and for others.

Some common signs are:

Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Feeling sad, down or not enjoying things you usually would
Changes in eating habits
Feeling very anxious or worried constantly

Mood swings
Participating in unsafe behaviour like excessive drinking, taking drugs or violence

Things that can impact your Wellbeing

When it comes to our mental wellbeing being impacted we often talk about stress. Different things can cause stress for each of us but common causes are:

Time management
Relationships (arguments, break-ups, bullying)
Money worries
Expectations of others
Big life changes (leaving home, loss of a loved one)

Other common experiences that can cause stress within rugby are injury, not being selected and the pressure to perform well. Using the strategies below to cope with stress is a great way to look after your mental fitness.

Whanaungatanga (Connect with others)

Spending time connecting with whānau, friends and team mates. This builds a sense of belonging and makes it easier to reach out when we need support.

Tukua (Give)

Do something nice for someone else, volunteer your time, your words or your presence.

Be in the moment

Mindfulness is a great way to give your mind a rest. Focusing on your breath is a useful tool to bring your attention back to the present.

Take time out

Rest is important. Block out time in advance that is “protected time” for you to spend doing something to re-energise.

Practice Gratitude

Take time to notice things you are grateful for. Doing this daily helps train the brain to focus on the positive.

Talk to people you trust

Sharing what’s going on in your life, good and bad, with people you trust is a great way to strengthen your support network.

Be Active

Being active can improve your mood and make you feel happier by producing changes in the part of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety.

Me Ako Tonu (Keep learning)

Challenging ourselves to try new things is a great way to build confidence and helps growth skills in our kete.

Sleep & Nutrition

Sleep allows our body and mind to recover as does fuelling your body with the best hydration and food, fresh is best. Try and limit sugary foods and drink where possible.