Over 1,600 people across Aotearoa have already
pledged to take charge of their wellbeing and fundraise for
a better mental health system by participating in
Mindfulness Month, launched this August by the Mental Health
Foundation in partnership with The Kindness
Institute.
Mindfulness Month is an initiative
that encourages participants to prioritise a mindful moment
during each day of August while raising money for the Mental
Health Foundation. There are a variety of tools on offer to
support participants; daily guided mindfulness podcasts by
Kristina Cavit, a mindfulness journal based on the month
done concept by Stephen McCarthy and daily mindfulness
activities to weave into everyday life from Pause Breathe
Smile.
Mindfulness has been linked to a reduction in
anxiety and stress, a boost in mood, and enhanced
relationships, sleep and general wellbeing. Founder of The
Kindness Institute and mindfulness coach Kristina Cavit
hopes that participants will find more calm and clarity in
their lives through taking a mindful moment each
day.
“This campaign is for everyone, even those who
think mindfulness is nonsense – we have designed this for
you! There is a variety of tools so everyone can choose how
they want to have a mindful moment each day. It’s about
doing something good for yourself and your wellbeing and
doing something good for others by fundraising for mental
health. Working with the Mental Health Foundation on this
shared kaupapa makes so much sense and I have loved every
moment of it.”
The money raised by participants in
Mindfulness Month goes towards supporting the work of the
Mental Health Foundation to promote mental wellbeing and
fund policy and advocacy work to transform the mental health
system, engage with tāngata whaiora (people with lived
experience of mental distress) and advocate for systemic
change to improve social, economic and cultural determinants
of mental health and wellbeing.
The Mental Health
Foundation’s fundraising manager Chris Taylor says,
“It’s awesome to see so many people take up the
challenge so far and I am personally looking forward to
being more mindful in August and supporting the incredible
mahi of our policy and advocacy team, who are challenging us
all to do better for the mental health of all across
Aotearoa.”
Chief executive Shaun Robinson believes
mindfulness is a powerful tool in managing his
wellbeing.
“Taking a mindful approach to living has
been really important for me in terms of managing my bipolar
disorder, and helping me to stay well.”
He is
excited to see how Mindfulness Month will support the
Foundation’s goal of helping to transform the mental
health system into one that is equitable, effective and
empowers communities and individuals.
“The money
raised through Mindfulness Month will really help to support
us to be the guide dog and the watchdog for the creation of
a world-class mental health system in New
Zealand.”
To register for the challenge and receive
the free journal, visit mindfulnessmonth.co.nz.
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