It's Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign by the NZ Mental Health Foundation to helps Kiwis understand what boosts their wellbeing and improves mental health.

NZMHF share Five Ways to Wellbeing - five simple yet proven actions you can use every day to help you find balance, build resilience and boost your wellbeing. These practices are backed by evidence and can be easily incorporated into anyone's life, regardless of their situation. We'd thought we'd show how paddling meets all these actions and is the perfect sport or recreational activity to boost your mental wellbeing. Just 5 more reasons to Pick Up A Paddle this summer!

#1 Be Active / Me kori tonu

Being active is not only important for our physical wellbeing, it’s also a powerful mood booster. Moving our tinana/body can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation and enhance overall mental resilience.

Being active can make us feel good- Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood and increase feelings of happiness.

Paddling is a perfect physical activity for mental health. It is a repetitive, rhythmic motion, proven to be very beneficial for mental wellbeing. It is low impact and involves a combination of aerobic/cardio and strength exercise, giving a full body boost! Plus, it can be done with friends and gets you outside connecting with nature, all proven to be great for mental wellbeing.

#2 Take notice - Me aro tonu.

Take Notice refers to the practice of mindfulness. This means being open and receptive, having awareness of and paying attention to the present moment.

Paying more attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings and to the world around us boosts our wellbeing. Noticing the small things that bring you joy and reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. This helps us to behave in ways that make us feel good about ourselves and build a life that is meaningful to us.

Paddling is a perfect activity for mindfulness practice and mental wellbeing. On the water, you can disconnect for a short while - no phone calls, computers, emails or distractions!

It requires balance and focus that means you must think about your movement and breathing. When paddling, recognise the beauty in the nature around you, notice the weather and the changing seasons. Be aware of your surroundings and what you are feeling and savour and appreciate the experience.

#3 Keep Learning – Me ako tonu

 Keep Learning refers to ‘exercising our mind’ - developing and mastering new skills and embracing new experiences. Learning new skills boosts our confidence and self-esteem and helps to build a sense of purpose. It enhances motivation and our sense of competence and achievement, vital for mental wellbeing.

The process of learning or mastering a new skill activates dopamine release, contributing to a positive mood. It also stimulates brain health by forming new neural connections and strengthening cognitive abilities.

Paddling is a perfect activity for continual learning, skill acquisition and new opportunities.

There are lots of different disciplines and crafts to try, all requiring different skill sets and understanding. With so much variety you’ll never run out of goals to achieve or events and adventures to experience!

#4 Connect - Me whakawhanaunga

Connect refers to making social connections. A sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging with others is strongly associated with better mental wellbeing. Nurturing relationships with friends, whānau & community provides a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Positive social interactions make us feel happy, connected and secure. Through sharing experiences, you can discover how you can help and support others. And during times of distress you have the support systems you need to get through.

Paddling is a perfect activity for connecting with friends, family and like-minded people. Whether you’re sharing a kayak, racing against each other or joining a casual club paddle, being out on the water naturally builds community.

Shared experiences bring people together. Even if you don’t know each other, it sets the stage for making connections. Plus paddling along together not looking at each other can make difficult conversations easier or open up the opportunity to check in with your mates.

#5 Give - Tukua

Give is about kindness, altruism, or generosity. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. By helping others, sharing our skills and resources, or giving our time, it makes us feel good. When we help others, it gives us purpose and a sense of belonging. Helping and giving your time to others can strengthen relationships and create a ripple effect of positivity.

Being involved with paddling is the perfect way to give back and boost mental wellbeing. Share your paddling skills and knowledge to help others improve. It doesn’t have to be formal coaching, just share a helpful tip!

Help at your local club. It could be helping to fix /maintain equipment or keeping the facilities tidy and functioning, or helping behind the scenes with fundraising, on the committee or using your professional skills to improve the club’s operations. Volunteer at an event, share your stories and experiences with other paddlers or just give your praise or support.

#PickUpAPaddle for your physical and mental wellbeing this summer!

For more information on the 5 Ways to Wellness, visit mentalhealth.org.nz.