August is National Wellness Month, the perfect time to prioritize self-care, mental health, and emotional well-being. National Wellness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves and those around us. At Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP), we view wellness as a vital part of our mission to support families.
The concept of wellness includes physical, mental, and emotional health. Wellness is a journey that starts from within. Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being, and it also enables you to be present and fully engaged with your family. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for our loved ones. When each individual is cared for, the entire family benefits.
Strong families build strong, resilient communities, and at NPP, we are dedicated to ensuring that every family has the resources and support they need to thrive. This month, we’re excited to share some simple, free, and low-cost tips that can help you and your family stay healthy and connected. You can choose the tips that resonate most with you and start small – there’s no pressure to do them all!
A Holistic Approach to Wellness at NPP
Our mission is to strengthen families and create healthier communities in Puna and East Hawaiʻi by building strong foundations through healthy relationships that value each person’s uniqueness. Our Family Resource Center (FRC) is the heart of this mission, offering a wide range of services and resources designed to meet the unique needs of each family we serve. We understand that every family is different, and we tailor our services to address their specific needs, whether it’s securing emergency shelter, navigating housing resources, accessing essential items like diapers, or offering parenting support.
Apply for FREE membership to the FRC today!
We believe that everyone deserves access to the resources they need to build a better future for themselves and their families, regardless of their financial situation.
Wellness Tips for Individuals and Families
As we celebrate National Wellness Month, here are some simple and accessible wellness tips to help you and your family thrive.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is essential, not a luxury. Taking time to attend to your physical, mental, and emotional health is vital for maintaining balance in your life. Prioritizing self-care better equips you to care for your family with patience and presence.
- Physical Health: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, like a walk around your neighborhood or a quick stretch during your lunch break at work. Movement helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
- Mental Health: Take time for activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, puzzles, or learning something new. Try mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing to center yourself. Keep reading for a mindful breathing exercise below!
- Emotional Health: Journaling, talking to a friend, or engaging in creative activities can help you process emotions and maintain emotional well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis: Hawaii CARES 988 provides a team of trained and experienced professionals to help individuals in times of a mental health crisis. Hawaii CARES 988 is there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call statewide toll-free at 1-800-753-6879 or dial the 3-digit calling code 9-8-8.
The Hawaii CARES 988 website has options for text and chat. If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.
Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division for general information.
For more information on other mental health services available in our community, visit page 51 of our 2024 Resource Directory for a list of resources.
Practice Mindfulness Together
Maintaining mental wellness is crucial for a balanced life. By nurturing our mental well-being, we strengthen our connections and build resilience. Here are some ways to incorporate mindfulness into your family routine:
- Mindful Breathing: Try this simple exercise alone or with your child:
Deep Belly Breathing Sit comfortably and allow the belly to fully relax. Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. On the inhale breath from the very bottom of your belly and feel how your belly expands. On the exhale, bring attention to the feeling of release as your belly falls. Repeat several times, breathing deeper as you go.
- Gratitude Journals: Encourage each family member to jot down things they’re grateful for each day. A gratitude journal can transform your mindset, highlighting the beauty and positivity in your life. Maybe you’re thankful for the morning sunlight streaming through your window, the laughter of a loved one, or the small wins that may go unnoticed. By acknowledging these moments, you cultivate a sense of appreciation and joy that can make even the most challenging days feel a little brighter. So take a moment, breathe deeply, and let gratitude fill your heart, one entry at a time. Practicing gratitude helps shift your mindset towards positivity, making it easier to navigate challenges with resilience.
- Show Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude for each other’s efforts and kindness. Maybe your child washed the extra dishes in the sink without being asked to, or your partner took care of the laundry pile before you did. Be sure to acknowledge and thank them.
Encourage Open Communication
Open, honest communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships within your family. It helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. When communication flows freely, misunderstandings are minimized, and relationships are strengthened.
- Active Listening: When someone in your family is speaking, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting and show empathy towards their feelings.
- Daily Check-Ins: Take a moment to ask how everyone is feeling and truly listen to their responses. Sometimes, just a simple question and an attentive ear are all someone needs to feel valued and heard. So, take that moment today; it might mean more than you realize.
- Express Emotions: Encourage family members to express their feelings openly and without judgment. Creating a safe space for sharing emotions strengthens family bonds.
Make Time for Fun and Relaxation
Don’t forget to incorporate joy and relaxation into your routine. Fun activities and downtime are essential for recharging and maintaining overall well-being.
- Family Fun Nights: Dedicate one evening a week to doing something fun as a family, like playing board games, watching a movie, or cooking together.
- Individual Relaxation: Encourage each family member to take time for themselves, whether it’s through a hobby, reading, or simply relaxing.
- Nature Time: Spend time outdoors as a family. Visit local parks like Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Reeds Bay Beach Park, or Wailoa River State Park for picnics and playtime. Spend a day at one of our beautiful beaches like Richardson Ocean Park, Moku Ola (Coconut Island), or Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Explore family-friendly trails such as the Kīlauea Iki Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (fee-free on certain days), or Onomea Bay Trail.
As we focus on wellness this month, let’s remember that taking care of ourselves is the first step towards being fully present for our loved ones. By integrating these simple wellness tips into your daily life, you’re not only enhancing your well-being but also contributing to a healthier, happier family and community.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text (808) 501-1413 to reach our Coordination Center, and one of our Community Resource Navigators will be happy to assist you. Our team is here to support you.