Promoting Mental Wellbeing for all
New Zealand Mental Health reports have shown a steady increase in the proportion of New Zealanders with high levels of mental distress over time, with mental morbidity rates more than doubling over the last two decades, for both males and females.
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is an annual campaign in Aotearoa New Zealand that aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
During this week, The Art of Living Foundation NZ contributes to the wellbeing of our tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, and works closely with communities, workplaces, universities, schools and families across the country to raise awareness and share tools that support mental health.
Wellbeing through yoga, breathwork and meditation
Anxiety is the fastest growing mental health issue worldwide and 100% of people experiencing anxiety are breathing incorrectly. Extensive scientific research has shown that breathing and meditation techniques significantly contribute to the reduction of stress, anxiety and other health issues.
Many people around the world are finding relief from taking time to breathe well and meditate. Yoga, breathwork and meditation techniques are some of the most effective tools to fight against the physical, mental and emotional distress brought on by the increasing demands of contemporary life.
How we breathe can directly have an immediate and significant impact on our mental health. People often say ‘take a breather’ or ‘take a deep breath’ when they see someone is anxious. The techniques we teach enable people to take this concept further, building on breathwork traditions taught in India for thousands of years.
