Connecting with Wellbeing: A Recap of Our Mental Health Awareness Week Activities and Lessons Learned

Mental Health Awareness Week provided us with a great opportunity to reflect on our mental well-being and the importance of connection. Last week, we focused on connecting with each other through a variety of activities aimed at building relationships, encouraging mindfulness, and promoting physical health.

"Social connection is the ngākau/heart of our wellbeing. It weaves us together, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. When we nurture meaningful connections with others, we uplift our own wellbeing"

Mental Health Foundation NZ

Let’s explore the week’s events ⬇️

Me Whakawhanaunga - Connect: Coffee and Quiz

The team drinking coffee/tea while quizzing

We began the week with a delightful coffee and quiz gathering. This is something we do in the office regularly because it's fun, welcoming, and a great way to take a break with colleagues. The go-to quizzes are Stuff's daily quiz and the Herald's quiz.

Tukua - Give: Mihi whakatau & Sharing Kai

Next, we held a mihi whakatau to welcome our new Pou Ārahi! It was a lovely morning of waiata, kōrero, and whakawhanaungatanga.

Staff enjoying kai

The spread for after the mihi whakatau

Me Aro Tonu - Take Notice: Mid-Day Meditation Session

Mid-week, we paused for a guided meditation session focused on mindfulness and self-awareness. Elliot leads our in-office meditation sessions and helps the team to slow down, check in, and review how we've been feeling.

Staff meditation session

Me Kori Tonu - Be Active: Office Pilates

Pilates in office

To maintain our momentum, we organised an office Pilates session that encouraged active engagement. Pilates not only improves physical health but also boosts mental clarity and focus. Plus, it was great fun to see everyone try the downward dog pose!

Me Ako Tonu - Keep Learning: Guess the Baby Photo and Fun Facts

To close the week, we participated in a light-hearted game of "Guess the Baby Photo" alongside sharing interesting facts about ourselves. This fun activity allowed us to learn more about each other in a new way (and baby photos are always fun to share!)

Staff playing games

Lessons learned?

Although Skylight is an organisation focused on enhancing mental health, we all occasionally need a reminder to focus on developing and maintaining good habits. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing offers a simple method to integrate these small yet impactful actions throughout the week. And we had a lot of fun doing it! Office Pilates might even become the new weekly activity!

Maybe....