Mental Health Awareness Week

This year, we’re exploring how the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing' framework, central to MHAW, can be woven into our daily lives, even outside a dedicated awareness week.

What is MHAW and Why It Matters

• MHAW is a nationwide initiative in New Zealand that invites people, communities, workplaces, and schools to focus on mental wellbeing.
• The site features 'What’s On', stories, resources, and ways to get involved (for workplaces, schools, communities).
• One of the guiding models the campaign uses is the Te Whare Tapa Whā (a holistic Māori model of health) and the Five Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Give, Be Active, Take Notice and Keep Learning).

By centring on easily accessible actions rather than complex interventions, MHAW helps normalise the idea that small daily steps can nurture wellbeing.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing: How to Bring Them Into Daily Life

Below are each of the five ways, with ideas and reflections (inspired by the MHAW site) for how they can show up in your life. Feel free to pick a few that resonate and experiment with them.

1) Way:  Connect / Me Whakawhanaunga

What it means:  Build and deepen relationships with others

Practical Ideas:  Invite a friend over, message someone you haven’t talked to, ask a colleague about their day.

2) Way: Give / Me Tukua

What it means:  Acts of kindness, generosity, or contribution

Practical Ideas:  Volunteer, bake and share, help someone with a chore, show courtesy in small everyday ways.

3) Way:  Be Active / Me Kori Tonu

What it means: Move your body, physical activity supports mental health

Practical Ideas:  Walk, dance, play sports, garden, or simply move while doing chores.

4) Way: Take Notice / Me Aro Tonu

What it means:  Mindfulness, gratitude, being present, spend time away from technology

Practical Ideas:  Pause and reflect, take a walk noticing surroundings, journal, meditate, pay attention to small moments.

5) Way:  Keep Learning / Me Ako Tonu

What it means:  Stimulate your mind with new experiences or knowledge

Practical Ideas:  Learn a new skill, read, take a course, try a creative hobby, ask questions, travel (even locally).

“The more tools we have in our kete, the better.”  a sentiment echoed in many MHAW

stories about strengthening our mental wellbeing by using multiple approaches.

Stories That Ground These Ideas

One of the most powerful things about the MHAW site is how it shares lived experience stories from across Aotearoa, from individuals and communities.

For instance, Thriving Madly is a community supporting people with mental distress, addiction and neuro-divergence, built on a model of peer support where there is no judgement, but mutual connection. 
These stories remind us that wellbeing isn’t a fixed destination, it’s relational, evolving, and deeply human.

How You Can Get Involved (Especially During MHAW)

• Check 'What’s On' at MHAW: The website lists events, workshops, and community activities.
• Participate in or promote a community event: Encourage local organisations, schools, or workplaces to host something around mental health.
• Use and share resources: MHAW provides toolkits, helpful links, research, and ideas on its site.
• Tell your story (if safe): Sometimes sharing your own journey (in safe spaces) can reduce stigma and inspire others.
• Apply the Five Ways every day not just during MHAW. Small, consistent steps add up.

Conclusion

Mental Health Awareness Week (via MHAW.nz) serves as a yearly reminder that mental health deserves attention, but the work of sustaining wellbeing is ongoing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing offer accessible, flexible tools, no matter where you’re at in life. By connecting, giving, moving, noticing, and learning consistently, we nurture resilience, community, and compassion.

Let’s carry forward the spirit of MHAW, not just for one week, but in our daily lives.

“We all have the answers to our wellbeing inside of us.” One of the many reflections on the MHAW site that underscores the importance of self‑compassion and inner work.