Get in the game to boost wellbeing

Get in the game to boost wellbeing

A national competition designed to boost wellbeing is back for another year and people are being urged to sign up.

The Wellbeing Game runs from October 7 to November 3 and is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which are connect, take notice, give, keep learning and be active.

International and New Zealand studies have shown these five actions successfully boost wellbeing.

As part of the game, players can form teams of any size and watch their team’s wellbeing hours accumulate on an online leader board.

Ciaran Fox from the Mental Health Foundation says The Wellbeing Game provides an opportunity to take a moment and reflect on the things that keep us well.

“Many of the things we like to do are good for us, but when life gets busy we don't always make time for them,” Ciaran says.

“The Wellbeing Game is a chance to take special notice of the things that keep us well, whether it’s catching up with loved ones, spending time with a good book, or enjoying the garden.”

Ciaran says The Wellbeing Game forms a key component of the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which has a specific focus on ‘connect’, and also begins on October 7.

Tanya McCall from Healthy Christchurch says the game was developed by Healthy Christchurch and the Mental Health Foundation following the Canterbury earthquakes.

“The challenges we’ve had made it important to develop a way for people to think about their wellbeing and the simple things they can do to improve it,” Tanya says.

“Although many things about the recovery are outside of our direct control, there are little things we can do to make a big difference to our wellbeing. The game is all about capturing these moments and building on them.”

Tanya says the evaluation of last year’s game in Canterbury showed players enjoyed becoming more mindful of their mental and physical wellbeing.

“This year we’re sharing The Wellbeing Game with the rest of New Zealand and are looking forward to seeing wellbeing spread across the country.”

Taking part and improving your wellbeing is the major prize, but there will also be prizes for the best teams.

Go to www.thewellbeinggame.org.nz for more information and to register.

ENDS

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