My wellbeing

We all know it’s important to eat well and exercise, but there’s so much more that affect our overall wellbeing. In this section we take a look at some of the things that we need to keep our bodies and minds healthy.

If you are concerned about getting the right kind of healthy food, take a look at our eating well page. It lets you know where you can get good nutritional advice and recipes, as well as information about catering and delivery services like Meals on Wheels, and where to get help with costs so you don’t have to go without healthy food.

Visit our page about accessing healthcare for information about how you can reduce the costs of visits to your doctor, prescriptions, dental care, disability equipment and sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Everyone needs to look after their mental wellbeing – good food and exercise are just part of the puzzle. You need good sleep, healthy relationships, time to relax and strategies to help manage stressful times in life. Take a look at our mental wellbeing page for information about caring for your mental health, as well as places to go when you need more support.

Taking part in sport or other recreational activities is good for you. It helps you to get active, meet new people, get involved in your community, and gain new skills. There are lots of ways to get involved – our sport and recreation page have just a few suggestions.

If you need advice about maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family and others in your life, we have information on our relationships page about places you can go. Visit this page if you have any concerns about friendships, family relationships, sexual relationships or coping with loss, break-ups or family violence.

Community awards for long-standing advocates

People with disabilities, Supporting adults, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin August 12, 2019

John McIntosh was born with scoliosis – or curvature of the spine – although John’s never let his disability slow him down. But, he admits, as he gets older his disability is having a bigger impact on daily life.

Waiata programme provides a common goal

Whānau, family and carers, Wellbeing, Supporting adults, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin June 7, 2019

Waiata sessions at Kirikiroa Marae in Hamilton, held as part of Life Unlimited’s Ngā Mara Ātea programme, are building participants’ confidence in themselves and each other, says team leader Deborah Baird. Many people come from across the Waikato take part in the training run in partnership with Enrich Plus, who play and provide the music,…

Real people on loan to readers in Hamilton for autistic first

Whānau, family and carers, My independence, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin March 29, 2019

Hamilton is hosting what is believed to be a New Zealand first Autistic Human Library next week. The event on World Autism Awareness Day Tuesday 2 April is different from most other events taking place around the country as it is autistic-led and focuses on autistic voices. The project is the brainchild of autistic advocate…

The benefits of physical activity

New to disability?, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin March 15, 2019

Establishing and sustaining a routine of physical activity can be likened to a savings account – an investment of sorts, in your future quality of life.

Marae programme delivers

Whānau, family and carers, Wellbeing, Supporting adults, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin March 8, 2019

When new clients arrive, we talk to whanau about setting goals, and ensuring there is support in place. It is a great thing to see how the programme impacts in such a positive way.

Host a hearing-friendly barbecue this summer

Wellbeing, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin October 10, 2018

It’s barbecue season and, this summer, national hearing organisation Hearing Therapy, is urging hosts to extend their Kiwi hospitality to guests who have trouble hearing.

Managing stress with tinnitus

My wellbeingBy lifeadmin October 10, 2018

For many people, the stress of living with tinnitus can have a big impact on day-to-day life. But Tracy Henderson, a hearing therapist with Life Unlimited Hearing Therapy Services, says it is possible to better manage the stress associated with the condition.