With the festive season fast approaching, you’ll no doubt be attending end of year functions and decorating your Christmas tree. But do you notice the rituals you have consciously (or unconsciously) created for yourself? By increasing our awareness of the little things that we incorporate in our daily life to help us relieve stress, we can really amplify their benefits, which we all know we can do with right now after a challenging year on all fronts.

The latest statistics from Southern Cross suggest that over 50% of New Zealanders feel they don’t have enough family time and 42% are unhappy in their personal relationships. Learning to be more present can strengthen our relationships and help us find pockets of calmness and fun during the day.

Living and working in your ‘bubble’ for over a month means you will be well on your way to hardwiring some new habits. Are your new habits providing instant gratification or long-lasting satisfaction?

It’s normal and human to feel anxious right now. COVID-19 is not only a risk to our own and our loved ones’ health, but also to the way we live. Here are some activities you can practice on your own and with your loved ones, to help you during this challenging time.