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Add a Māori touch to your daily routine on World Mental Health Day

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10 October is not just another double-digit sale date. Since 1992, this perfect-sounding date has been celebrated as World Mental Health Day. It's an international day to recognise global mental health education, awareness and advocate against social stigma.

In these two years thankfully, there have been more conversations being started around mental health, which, slowly and steadily, can change the trajectory of the discussions to healthier and more respectful territories.

This Sunday, take time out of your schedule to dedicate a moment to yourself. Conjure up images of faraway lands with wide-open spaces and glorious weathers, such as New Zealand.

This brings us to the Māori concept of Te Whare Tapa Whā, which teaches the importance of physical, spiritual, family and mental health. These cornerstones are integral to keep balance in life. To commemorate World Mental Health Day this year, Tourism New Zealand has put together a list of ways to weave this Māori concept into our routines.

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1. Meditate with the 100% Pure Zealand Mindful Journeys playlist on Spotify

Meditate with Mindful Journeys (Photo: Tourism New Zealand)
Meditate with Mindful Journeys (Photo: Tourism New Zealand)

Disconnect from your stresses and calm your mind through soundscapes of New Zealand’s natural wonders such as native birdsong and the ocean, from the Far North and Rotorua to Canterbury Plains. You’ll only need 10 minutes tops to recharge for the day ahead.

2. Strengthen the mind and body with a Māori inspired virtual yoga session

Strengthen your body and mind with virtual yoga (Photo: Tourism New Zealand)
Strengthen your body and mind with virtual yoga (Photo: Tourism New Zealand)

Celebrated yoga teacher Taane Mete weaves Māori values into his classes anchored on whenua (land) that keep us grounded to manaaki (support) that lift us up. Check out his virtual IGTV classes for free on his Instagram at @taane_mete.

3. Have a comforting Kiwi meal at home with loved ones

Have a comforting Kiwi meal (Photo: Julie Chandelier)
Have a comforting Kiwi meal (Photo: Julie Chandelier)

A simple, warm meal can do wonders, and New Zealand cuisine has well-loved options that can nourish the body and the soul, especially when enjoyed with friends and family. You don't even need to start from scratch with easy meals such as Crumbled Hoki Fillet and Mince and Cheese Pie from online retailers. If you have a sweet tooth, why not enjoy a light and refreshing classic Kiwi Pavlova (click for recipe) for dessert?

We also found another Pavlova that's perfect for the tropics!

4. Elevate your skin and beauty routine at home

Elevate your beauty routine at home (Photo: Rotorua NZ)
Elevate your beauty routine at home (Photo: Rotorua NZ)

Pamper yourself with high-quality skincare and beauty products from Wild Ferns and Antipodes, available from retailers like Guardian. Proudly from New Zealand, these brands feature natural ingredients derived from New Zealand’s unique landscapes. Their wide selection of products are sure to give your skin some TLC. Freshen up from your day with Wild Ferns’ Face Mask with Aloe Vera & Cucumber, featuring mineral-rich geothermal mud from Rotorua. Give your skin a boost of hydration with Antipodes’ Joyful Hand & Body Cream.

Shop Wild Ferns’ Face Mask with Aloe Vera & Cucumber here

Shop Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream here

5. Wind down with a glass of wine from New Zealand

Wind down with New Zealand wine (Photo: New Zealand Winegrowers Inc)
Wind down with New Zealand wine (Photo: New Zealand Winegrowers Inc)

Did you know that Pinot Noir is New Zealand’s second-largest overall export? Savour the moment and treat yourself with indulgent wines from New Zealand’s famous wineries such as The Grayling Wines, Oyster Bay Wines and the award-winning Akarua.