LIMITED EDITION REWA ROSÉ GIFT BOX In the true spirit of Aotearoa and celebrating in the utmost of style, we have created a beautiful limited edition gift box. Inspired by the flavours of this delectable wine, Flox’s vibrant trademark illustrations depict the native birds, fern and flowers of Aotearoa – including the flo-wers of our wine’s namesake, the Rewarewa — our very own native honeysuckle. Each box contains one bottle of Tohu Méthode Traditionnelle Rewa Rosé and two sommelier endorsed flutes. Gold rimmed with a delicate hint of pink. The glasses are a balanced medium weight with an excellent mouthfeel. Perfect for sipping on our elegant Rewa Rosé with notes of bright berry and brioche. Perfect for Mothers Day Scan here to learn more GIVE THE GIFT OF CELEBRATION tohuwines.co.nz Nga hua a te whenua.Our gift from the land.
contents 14 68 Happy You The Joy of How to be happy Gardening in 2022. with Lynda Hallinan. 40 BEAUTY HOME Star Gazing 58 Seaweed and Skin 62 Mirror Art Benefits of Find out which New Zealand Create your own wall art using motivational beauty brands use seaweed as cane placemats and mirrors. astrology. a hero ingredient, and why. Plus, why Kiwi scientists are 64 DIY with Resene WELLBEING working to unlock more of Transform a basic cabinet in seaweed’s skincare secrets, four simple steps. 30 Crazy or Credible? including its potential to be Maddie Ballard puts celeb used in sun care products that 66 Good Design wellbeing rituals to the test. are healthy for our skin and Contemporary classics the environment. reworked for the home. 36 Your Happy Place Readers share their favourite 61 Beauty Buzz 76 Pet-friendly Garden feel-good movies, books, songs The latest beauty products A guide to creating a and podcasts. Plus, Good’s we’ve tried and why we think pet-friendly garden that Happiness playlist. they are great, including protects your furry friends, Raww’s Wildberry Boost Primer. including toxic plants to avoid. 46 Happy Pet How to tell when your pets are happy. 56 Financial Wellbeing Money smarts while interest rates climb. 2
24 Wendyl Nissen Ditching social media and why she’s happier. FOOD 80 T R AV E L 80 Happy Gut Flavour-bomb 94 Rejuvenating Queenstown Yummy gut-friendly recipes Where to stay, relax, eat and fill to improve your health mushrooms your cup in Queenstown, home and happiness. of sensory adventures. A must try recipe! 88 Butterfly Chia 98 Walk and Unwind Recipe for a beautiful blue chia An easy ramble through bush dessert with a twist by Rachel and over boardwalks on Great Grunwell. Adding cream on top Barrier Island to Kaitoke Hot is optional! Springs that culminates with a soak in a hot pool. 90 NZ Wine Champion Why Local Cellar, the newest 100 Fine Line Project wine delivery service on the Stunning ephemeral art block, only distributes 100 per created around the globe by cent New Zealand made and environmental artists Martin produced wine. Hill and Philippa Jones. 3
keeplookingup.co.nz Contributors exislepublishing.com Editor Carolyn Enting Art direction Archie Blohm and Conor Fox Wendyl Nissen Design Alisha Kumar Digital producer Millie Hinchliffe Wendyl is a writer who lives in the Hokianga. She has written 11 books, Sustainable Living editor Wendyl Nissen Craft editor Sarah Heeringa mostly about natural living, and aims to write more, mostly fiction in the Sub-editor Maddie Ballard future. She has edited magazines, produced television shows and Contributors Maddie Ballard, Dr Alice Boyes, Síana Clifford, Kevin Courtney, worked as a broadcaster, but these days she is happiest swimming in Kahu de Beer, Carolyn Enting, Conor Fox, Charles Goodwin, Josh Griggs, Rachel Grunwell, Lynda Hallinan, Sarah Heeringa, the ocean most days with her two dogs, chasing chickens and being a Martin Hill, Alisha Kumar, Caro Langton, Kristen Lunman, Aimee Magne, Wendyl Nissen, Ann Orman, Rose Ray, Amanda Reelick, good mum and grandmother. She has also just joined Good as our GiGi Sosnoski, Gareth St John Thomas, Sally Tagg, Sarah Tuck, Joelle Thomson, Jane Ussher, Ben Warren. sustainable living editor! You can read her first column on page 24. ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS Contact GiGi Sosnoski Sam Bluemel +64 21 294 6274 [email protected] GiGi is a motivational astrologer, coach, speaker, workshop facilitator and SUBSCRIPTIONS a TV, radio and print media contributor. Originally from NYC, she now Phone 0800 782 347 resides in NZ. As a “life enthusiast”, her passion is sharing upliftment and International calls +64 9 361 2834 inspiration. Encouraging people to get excited about their lives, their Online goodmagazine.co.nz/subs abilities, their relationships and their futures is what she does best. Email [email protected] Contact us Gareth St John Thomas 20 Vestey Drive, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand PO Box 62192 Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644 The founder of Exisle Publishing, Gareth loves cats, the countryside, words Telephone +64 9 360 5700 and flyfishing. Probably in that order. The grandson of a poet and the Email [email protected] son of a publisher, Gareth is the father of Auckland-born, Poland-based Website goodmagazine.co.nz travel writer Nathan James Thomas. He lives in Whanganui and spends Facebook facebook.com/goodmag time between his offices in Dunedin and Gosford and, when Covid Instagram instagram.com/goodmagazinenz allows, in the northern hemisphere. Gareth is the author of several books Good is published quarterly by ICG Media including Finding True Connections and, for children, Grandpa’s Noises. Editorial director Sarah Tuck WIN! ecosa.co.nz Find Frank Publisher services manager Monique Bulman Events producer Weronika Elantkowska 4 Frank is hiding Distribution Are Direct NZ somewhere in this SCG Print David Ashton +64 21 951 403 issue. Find him and be Proudly made in New Zealand in to win a set of two Ecosa memory Good is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in foam pillows, $180 any form without the written permission of the publishers. All material sent to Good each, for a great sleep. (including emails) will be assumed to be publishable unless marked ‘not for publication’. The opinions represented in the magazine are not necessarily those of SCG Media. Good is printed on Sumo offset stock from BJ Ball using FSC-MIX source pulp from well-managed forests and other controlled sources. We print using BIO-inks that contain materials that are based on renewable resources including wood resin (rosin, colophony), and vegetable oils, linseed oil and soy bean oil.
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EDITORIAL Finding contentment every day T he Good team is delighted to bring you our mood- boosting issue, which we hope will light you up. It’s certainly been a joy pulling this issue together. In these times we felt we could all do with a dose of good vibes, us included! Inside we look at the best ways to boost personal day-to-day happiness on page 14. Some advice that really resonated with me was “finding happiness in the everyday, rather than always chasing it”. When I live in the ‘now’ I know I feel happier and calmer. These feel-good moments range from catch-ups with friends, time alone in the garden, reading a book, walking in nature or binge-watching a series on Netflix. If you have furry friends in your life, we have a great piece on how to make your pets happier. Pet expert Selina McIntyre provides some great pointers on page 46. Lynda Hallinan shares an extract from her new book The Joy of Gardening (pages 68-73) and I certainly do find joy in my garden. A STAY IN recent happy moment was discovering a “zucchini” I’d planted was TOUCH actually a pumpkin! Having never grown a pumpkin before I found this to be hilarious and the debate trail with my friends on Facebook was so much fun as we all tried to guess what was growing. So many were convinced it was scallopini! I’m glad it wasn’t as roast pumpkin is a fave of mine! goodmagazine.co.nz Speaking of food, Good’s editorial director Sarah Tuck has @goodmagazinenz created some delicious gut-loving recipes on pages 80-87. goodmag We also welcome celebrated book author and journalist Wendyl On the cover Photography by Nissen as Good’s new sustainable living editor. In this issue she Vera Lair via Stocksy shares how breaking free from social media has been a positive and why she doesn’t regret “flipping the switch” on page 24. And we farewell our regular nutrition columnist Ben Warren who has been with Good for more than five years. Ben is taking a break, we wish him all the best and have loved working with him. He signs If you’re interested in learning off in his final column, for now, on page 54. more about chakras and crystals enter this fun giveaway. We have a We also want to thank you, our wonderful readers, for set of four practical handbooks for beginners – Chakras: A Modern responding to our online happiness survey to share your favourite Guide by Patricia Mercier; Tarot: A WIN feel-good movies, books, songs and podcasts. We’ve shared Modern Guide by John Izzard; Crystals: A Modern Guide by these on pages 36-39 and hope you each make some more Joules Taylor; and Witchcraft: A happy-inducing discoveries. Modern Guide by Alestrel Evergreen (Exisle Publishing) This also inspired us to create a valued at $100. ‘Good Happiness’ playlist on Spotify To enter head to goodmagazine. from all your suggestions. Search for co.nz/competitions. Good magazine on Spotify and tune in for your top 30 happy tunes! Carolyn Enting, editor [email protected] 6
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Rachel Robinson @lucykennedyfitness Your feedback Our readers take the time to share their thoughts. I treated myself to a Good subscription. without covering in it make-up. Last week WRITE The excitement when my magazine I also shaved my head – something I have AND WIN arrives is huge. I tuck it into my bag for always wanted to do but never had the our holiday home in St Arnaud and come courage to. My 11-year-old son embraced Every letter published in the next Saturday morning I park up with my the change and complimented me on my issue of Good will receive a MitoQ coffee. We then enjoy making recipes decision. We had an amazing conversation from it, I look up all the links and leave it in which he noted how society still says Pure triple pack valued at for other visitors to enjoy. that it isn’t acceptable for a woman to $242.87. A 90-day kick start for Rachel Robinson have short hair or there is a reason, such as illness or sexuality, behind it. In 2022 your cellular health journey, I found ‘Pick a Colour and Observe on I am me, no hiding. I am proud! Keep MitoQ is a breakthrough cell a Walk’ (issue 78) a most interesting empowering and uplifting all generations health molecule that enhances article. I can remember doing this as a who choose to have an open mind Good! your energy and vitality at a deep child. Now, at the grand old age of 75, Connor Murphy foundational level, so you can get when my friend and I are doing our two daily walks we decide on a certain plant I was feeling sad – my family couldn’t more out of life. and see how many varieties we can find. come to NZ for Christmas. I had been mitoq.com Makes a walk very interesting and people diagnosed with a brain tumour and ask us “what did you find today”. desperately wanted them close. They Email letters to letters@good. Isobel Gibson sent me a Good subscription amongst net.nz, or write to other treats. I decided I would do at least ‘How to feel beautiful in 2022!’ (issue 78) five things in each edition and so far I have: Good letters, ICG Media, PO Box spoke to my heart. Along with a lot of made the black bean nachos (delicious); 77027, Mt Albert, Auckland 1350. other women during lockdown I came to bought the Ethique soap bar; tried the decision of being true to myself. After Matootle’s hair and face mask; dried some goodmag spending countless hours doing what herbs; sowed radish and carrot seed; @goodmagazinenz goodmagazine.co.nz society expected of me – ridding myself roasted cauliflower leaves (also delicious); of all traces of body hair – I just stopped. and listened to Hollie Smith’s new album. I needed to finally honour myself and my I’m also planning to walk the Pūponga body. I am comfortable in the skin I’m in. Hilltop Track with friends. I’m looking I embrace body hair as it shows I am me, forward to next edition to do the same. I am human, we are all the same. I Thanks for the enjoyable distractions. embrace pimples and let my skin shine Barbie Reay 8
Catch up on the latest “Cheers to a good night of beauty innovations, modern sleep! Do you know you can practice mindfulness while wellness and good trends. drinking a cup of tea? I’ve been trying the Arana sleep goodmagazine.co.nz goodmag @goodmagazinenz tea, which is a caffeine-free herbal blend you can use as part of a balanced lifestyle to support you to relax and unwind from a busy day. Arana is ethical, plant-based goodness – made with natural ingredients and inspired by Ayurveda, which has a 3000- year heritage of using natural, plant-based recipes to promote the harmony of your mind, body and spirit.” @rachelgrunwell - Journalist, Author and Wellness Geek SLEEP COMFORT DETOX DIGESTIVE #Dilmah #AranaHerbalTea
WARDROBE Good strangenaturegin.com HEROES stuff Eco-conscious fashion label Esse is People, happenings and taking a new approach to tackling the things, locally and abroad, garment industry’s overproduction problem by restructuring its business that we applaud. model with the launch of Wardrobe Heroes and a made-to-order model. GIN SPIN These all-occasion classics are meant to Strange Nature Gin, $90, make a statement, focusing on refined tailoring is a new grape-based gin while staying true to Esse’s ethos of creating handcrafted from the alcohol minimal and enduring styles, and ordered removed from Giesen Wine’s on demand. 0% New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine! Flavoured with just “Overproduction and waste is such sauvignon blanc and juniper, a huge issue for the fashion it’s aromatic, fruity, tropical industry and we need to make and herbaceous. Bottled by changes in a bold and radical hand, and what a bottle! way,” says Esse designer and founder Alicia Tsi. “Only by reducing our impact can we grow in a sustainable way that ensures our brand and the planet’s long-term future. “We have decided to streamline our current range and cut back on product launches, launching only one key product a month.” The made-to-order model also allows customers to make small customisations to their garments. essethelabel.com 10
PRODUCT CORNER perriam.co.nz Designer ChristinaPerriam Inspired by Ayurveda Get hooked Dilmah’s new range of natural herbal infusions takes inspiration Take up knitting and connect with your inner calm with a Perriam Knit Kit. The kits are from Ayurveda with four holistic designed for beginners and beyond, using Perriam super-chunky merino wool made in blends – Comfort, Sleep, Detox and New Zealand, and available in five wonderful shades inspired by the Central Otago Digestive – which combine the landscape. For Perriam designer Christina Perriam, knitting is a form of meditation and natural goodness of Ceylon tea working with a sustainable fibre such as merino makes it even more mindful. “Growing up with the goodness in the herbs, on Bendigo Station, I have so many wonderful memories of knitting in front of the fire with roots and spices naturally grown in Mum. Even though she’s not with us anymore, I feel a responsibility to share my love for Sri Lanka’s forests – ashwagandha, knitting and New Zealand merino with the world,” she says. clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, soursop and gotukola just to name a few! All infusions are naturally caffeine- free apart from the Comfort infusion, which is mildly caffeinated, and all made to nurture the mind, body and spirit. dilmah.co.nz LISTEN TO THIS Putting the Z into sangria Former Split Enz members Tim A Kiwi twist on a Spanish classic, Finn and Eddie Rayner have Zangria in a can is a mix of New collaborated on a fresh new original Zealand wine blended with real fruit music project, titled Forenzics. The juice batch brewed with no added 14 songs that comprise the duo’s sugar or artificial sweeteners. debut album titled SHADES AND ECHOES revisits some of their zangria.co.nz favourite sections from lesser- known Split Enz works, using them 11 as inspiration and the basis for new songs. We had a listen and liked it and think you will too.
swanndri.co.nz NATURE BOY TAKE THE LEAD Nature photographer Olaf Petersen dedicated his life to documenting and protecting wilderness areas. Now his archive demonstrates the vital role As we head into the cooler months of the that artists can have in bearing witness and supporting the environmental year, we couldn’t go past Swanndri’s ‘Classic’ movement, says Shaun Higgins, curator, pictorial at Auckland Museum. wool dog coat, $100, which even comes with handy oilskin pockets and a turn up collar. It’s also Nature Boy: Photography of Olaf Petersen, is the first exhibition dedicated lined with cosy fleece, with a windproof membrane solely to the work of Petersen, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most talented, between the wool and the fleece for protection understated nature photographers of the 20th century, whose work has been against the elements. The coat comes in six inscribed onto the UNESCO Memory of the World Aotearoa NZ National colourways including blue/black check Register in recognition of its significance for documentary heritage. (pictured). Accessorise with Swanndri’s Petersen photographed the landscape around him for 50 years, from when ‘Collingwood’ leather dog lead, he got his first camera aged 18 in 1933 until the 1980s. His career as a $100, for a paw-fect look. freelance photographer and camera artist yielded more than 50,000 images. This exhibition comprises approximately 60 of Petersen’s original prints from the 1930s to 1980s, and represent what Petersen considered his best work. These often-signed prints show not only his skill with a camera, but also his darkroom printing practice. They also evidence the changes that have taken place over the past 70 years and as such are significant historic documents, says Higgins. Petersen gifted his archive to Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira in 1988. Nature Boy: Photography of Olaf Petersen opens at Auckland Museum on April 7 and runs until March 2023. Entry free. Full Flavour au.bigdropbrew.com Olaf Petersen. 1968. Usual Spot. Auckland Museum. © Olaf Petersen Estate BIG DROP BREWING CO. BREWS ARE BIG ON FLAVOUR AS WELL AS ALCOHOL FREE. A BIG TICK FOR LOVERS OF CRAFT BEER SEEKING A NON-ALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE. OPTIONS INCLUDE PINE TRAIL PALE ALE, GALACTIC MILK STOUT, UPTOWN CRAFT LAGER AND PARADISO IPA. 12
Using zara.com aircompany.com pollution 13 for good aetherdiamonds.com Products made from carbon emissions can be a hard thing to get one’s head around, but they really are a thing thanks to technology! Recently, Zara released a line of limited-edition dresses made in collaboration with Chicago-based LanzaTech. LanzaTech’s technology captures carbon emissions and puts them through a biological process to eventually form a polyester thread used to create nylon. Meanwhile, B Corp- certified company Aether Diamonds is producing the world’s first positive-impact diamonds by transforming carbon dioxide air pollution into diamonds of exceptional quality. They are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, except they don’t come from deep inside the Earth. Fragrances are now being made from air, too. Air Company recently debuted Air Eau de Parfum, a limited-edition, genderless fragrance developed using the company’s revolutionary technology, which transforms carbon dioxide into impurity-free consumer goods using 100 per cent renewable energy sources. For example, carbon dioxide is transformed into the ethanol used as the fragrance’s base using patented technology that mimics photosynthesis using only air, water and solar energy. Air Eau de Parfum is uniquely fresh and citrusy with top notes of fig leaf and orange peel, heart notes of jasmine, violet and sweetwater and base notes of powdery musk and tobacco. “The introduction of Air Eau de Parfum is a part of our ongoing effort to encourage a movement of ideas and innovation to help combat climate change,” Gregory Constantine, co-founder and CEO of Air Company says. “The scent was inspired by the elements: air, water and sun. We wanted to help people feel reconnected with nature.”
FINDING YOUR happiness Everybody wants to feel happy and at peace. But what are the best ways to find and sustain happiness in 2022? Words Maddie Ballard The most popular course in the your job, your relationships, your hobbies) Photograph Evgenij Yulkin via Stocksy history of Harvard University is, or the small details (accumulating little famously, a course on positive moments of joy)? And if the pursuit of psychology. The New Zealand happiness only took off as a trend in the government made a commitment to early 2000s, why was that? Was it just the measuring “gross domestic happiness” machinations of capitalism, building a new and allotting a national wellbeing budget industry to prompt more consumer in 2019. You can now download happiness spending (buy this yoga mat, buy this apps, listen to happiness podcasts and meditation app, buy these books)? Were take part in happiness workshops all we unhappier than ever? around the world. Karlyn Sullivan-Jones, Kiwi counsellor Clearly, we want to be happy. And just and author of the forthcoming book Be as clearly, we’re not sure how to be – Inspired!, defines happiness as “an there’s a market for all those how-to emotional state of joy and satisfaction”. guides and meditation apps. She suggests it’s about creating everyday joy: “Happiness is a combination of unique But as we adapt to living with Covid, we little things that bring contentment, could all use a little extra help feeling our excitement, gratitude and love.” best. I chatted to a couple of happiness experts to get the scoop on how to find, Similarly, Fleur Chambers, meditation grow and sustain a sense of personal teacher and creator of the “Happy Habit” happiness and was surprised to find it’s app, says happiness is a combination of simpler than you might think. big picture contentment and day-to-day little things. She suggests it’s taken off in What is happiness? the modern era not because we’re unhappier than ever, but because we can According to Google data, happiness has measure happiness so much more become more and more of a concern in scientifically. “With the growth of the fields the past 15 years. In 2020, more people of neuroscience and psychology, we’ve Googled “happiness” than ever before in finally got evidence that says it’s possible the search engine’s history – reflecting to grow happier through your actions,” she both how badly we wanted to be happy, says. “Just as we can get physically fit, we and how unhappy we felt during Covid. can get happy fit.” But what is happiness, and why has it The wellbeing budget become such a hot topic in recent years? Is happiness a state of euphoria, or a Meanwhile, the New Zealand government steady sense of contentment? Is it about equates happiness with wellbeing. Prime the big picture (feeling broadly happy in 14
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Minister Jacinda Ardern’s governmentPhotograph Matt and Tish via Stocksyit’s a state most people strive to attain: counted their blessings once a week instated a “wellbeing budget” in 2019, happiness is desirable, across different experienced a boost in happiness – but with the aim of ensuring government WELLBEINGcultures and income brackets.those who counted their blessings three spending bolsters citizens’ health and life times a week actually decreased slightly satisfaction, rather than just economic Why be happy? in happiness from their baseline level. growth. Ultimately, it asserts, we have Why? Having to keep a gratitude journal the evidence now to suggest focusing on But should we be pursuing happiness? too regularly can feel like a chore, rather happiness will benefit New Zealanders. Some science suggests doing so than an enjoyable activity. obsessively can actually make it harder The government’s focus on happiness to be happy. In short, our obsession with happiness reflects the fact that we’re both more able may be making us less happy – and we to do something about it and more A University of California, Berkeley might be happier if we stopped focusing uncertain about the future than ever. As study found that people who rate on attaining happiness altogether. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness happiness as an important factor for them Project, explains, the modern era’s enjoy pleasurable moments less while But perhaps it’s about redefining happiness obsession is the result of two they’re happening. Additionally, a 2018 where we can find happiness. As Fleur factors. First, there’s our era’s general study from the University of Toronto Chambers suggests, it’s a mistake to think prosperity, which frees us up to think hard found that encouraging people to think of happiness as some ultimately attainable about questions like “Am I satisfied at about improving their happiness actually state. “Most of us are in the habit of work?” and “Do I have the life I want?” elicited a kind of panic, related to running chasing happiness. I’ll be happy when I Second, there’s the looming uncertainty of out of time. When researchers asked lose five kilos, when the pandemic’s over, the future, with scary factors like climate participants to list 10 activities that could when we get a puppy… whatever it is. change pushing us to focus on what we boost their happiness, the reminder of all When we get in the habit of chasing can control: our own happiness. the things they weren’t doing already to happiness, we lose the capacity to be in be happy made them realise how little the wonder of the present moment, but The truth is, we probably all have a time they had to feel happy. happiness can only be found in the slightly different understanding of present moment,” she says. happiness and why it’s such a buzzword Two American researchers even found today. But at its simplest, it can be that certain popular “happiness Happiness as resistance perhaps boiled down to feeling contented interventions”, like gratitude journaling – not euphoric, but steady and positive and performing a conscious act of No matter how much we struggle to – most of the time. What’s crucial is that kindness, may be better in moderation. define it, we could all use a little extra One study showed that students who happiness right now, as we adapt to a 17
“ We don’ t only seek pleasure, deep connection and feeling like you’re we also want to live meaning ful lives.” contributing, which is a key determinant of happiness.” Psychologist Paul Bloom Be mindful world with Omicron in it. Seeking out gets tough. Sullivan-Jones stresses that Both Sullivan-Jones and Chambers Photograph Trinette Reed via Stocksy happiness even when things are tough is it’s not about having a huge network of highlight the importance of being mindful a form of coping. connections, just a few really good ones and savouring the small details. Anchoring sustained over time. Even connecting with yourself in the present is extremely good We all know how life-affirming it is to one other person – or pet – can relieve for your mental health – not only because have a positive experience, however small loneliness and release happy hormones. it stops anxiety from spiralling, but – think of the pleasure of sipping a because it is associated with a sense of delicious coffee. But knowing how to get Chambers says that building purpose and engagement. Being present back to a place of happiness can also make meaningful relationships is about trying in the moment stops you from dwelling on it easier to weather difficult times. “I think of to be more present in all our interactions. the past or anticipating the future. it as your inner tool kit,” says Chambers. “When people communicate, they’re often “You’ve got to know the basics of how to either judging the other person, waiting to The easiest way to practice soothe your nervous system and offer your offer their opinion or waiting to see if their mindfulness doesn’t involve any special full presence over to the small moment. opinion of others was confirmed,” she skills – just paying attention to your Being able to do that enables you to says. “Letting go of the ideas and senses. Sullivan-Jones suggests spending embrace your whole life, even the parts judgements we have about people when thoughtful time in nature. “I usually go that caught you by surprise.” we interact with them is really powerful.” walking down by the river, with my dogs,” says Sullivan-Jones. “I stop and smell the What’s more, just as there is evidence Another facet of supporting flowers, I watch the river flowing, I listen to to show obsessing about your happiness meaningful relationships is knowing when the birds or the wind in the trees. This is won’t make you happier, other studies to put yourself first. You are responsible my number one mood-booster!” show that actively thinking about your first and foremost for your own wellbeing, happiness could help you feel cheerier. not pleasing other people. Sullivan-Jones Chambers says being outdoors is also One study from Bristol University found suggests letting go of expectations and her top mood-booster. “Nature offers you that first year students who had focusing on what is meaningful to you. A a way to slow down and offer your full, completed a “science of happiness” positive affirmation – like “I am doing this warm-hearted presence over to the small course were more upbeat than their peers for me” – can help. moment,” she says. This kind of moment is who had not taken it. The course involved useful for putting your day in perspective. learning about the science of happiness, Get involved in your community carrying out practical happiness-boosting For Sullivan-Jones, being mindful is tasks (like chatting to a stranger) and It’s well documented that performing also about goal-setting. She recommends reflecting on their mental wellbeing. random acts of kindness releases creating a vision board to help create a oxytocin, the “love hormone”, which picture of what happiness looks like for How to boost your happiness boosts your mood. Meanwhile, the you. Cover a large piece of cardboard or effective altruism movement – which canvas with images and words that inspire Actively boosting our happiness – without encourages giving time and money you – it could be pictures from magazines, obsessing over it – seems like the way to help others do good – is credited quotes you find meaningful, photos or to go. So, what’s the best way to boost with increasing the happiness of its anything else you like. What do you want personal, day-to-day happiness? proponents. Co-founder William MacAskill, more of in your life, big or small? When I a philosopher at the University of Oxford, did this exercise, I realised I want my life to Sullivan-Jones and Chambers were even credits effective altruism with include more sea swims, long dinners with unanimous: happiness comes down to alleviating his depression. friends and knowing better how to cope being present in the moment, identifying when I get anxious. Once you’ve realised and enjoying what gives you joy and In short, doing good in your community what you want, you’re in a much better maximising balance. In a nutshell, they does you good, too. Whether you volunteer position to get out there and pursue it. advised, find happiness in the everyday, your time for a tree-planting effort, donate rather than always chasing it. So – how? to charity (especially in a way where you Balance work and leisure can see the output of your contribution), Build meaningful relationships coach a kids’ sports team or host a coffee One major key to happiness is knowing group, giving back to your community when to switch off from work. No matter Even if you’re not a people person, helps you feel those warm fuzzies. how much you love your job, you need a cultivating close, fulfilling relationships is break from it to reset, so you can come key to happiness. Healthy relationships As Chambers points out, it’s about back to it with renewed energy and with loved ones help keep you grounded – feeling valuable and included. “It could be enthusiasm – and if you hate your job, it’s providing someone to celebrate your as simple as volunteering at school,” she important to get away from it! wins and cheer you on when the going says. “Whatever it is, it creates a sense of Chambers notes that it takes a lot of diligence to switch off from work, 18
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“ Happiness is not this feel-good place devoid o f any uncom fortable emotion. It ’s about having a deep sense that whatever li fe throws at you, you’ ll be able to respond well.” Fleur Chambers particularly if you have a stressful job or chemical, is released when your brain and end all. Chambers has suffered from are working from home, so it’s important is expecting a reward – you may get a chronic pain for several years, which has to be intentional. She advises introducing hit from certain foods, sex, shopping stopped her from being able to move her a physical stop point between the end of or just ticking an item off your to-do body as actively as she might like – but the workday and the beginning of leisure list. Quick ways to get a dopamine hit? she’s been happy anyway. “There are 1.5 time: think doing 25 star jumps, closing Achieve something, however small, or eat billion people in the world who experience your computer and putting it in a something delicious. chronic pain, and I think it’s dangerous to cupboard, taking five mindful breaths or say that you can only be happy if you walking the dog round the block. Oxytocin, the “love hormone”, is have good physical capacity,” she says. released during labour, breastfeeding and “However, don’t we all feel better when The second key to successfully sex – but also following gentle skin we’ve stretched, or taken a few deep switching off is noticing when you’re stimulation, such as when you’re stroking breaths? We hold a lot of tension in our thinking about work during your leisure a dog or having a cuddle. To boost your body and moving even gently can help.” time. “When you notice your mind coming levels, try having a warm bath, playing back to that email, you need to say to with a baby or pet or hugging a friend. Sullivan-Jones adds that it’s not all yourself, actually, I get to choose where I about exercise, either – you can also place my attention,” says Chambers. Serotonin, a mood stabiliser, controls support your happiness through eating “Right now I’m going to place it with the bodily processes including sleep and well, getting good sleep and making sure dinner I’m about to eat – not with that anxiety. You can up your serotonin and you relax. email that upset me earlier.” Doing so calm your mood through physical activity takes practice, she says, but it pays off a such as swimming or running, meditating, Practise gratitude hundredfold. “Don’t forget that you spending time in nature or sun exposure. deserve this time off.” Although obsessively keeping a gratitude Finally, endorphins, which act as journal may feel like a chore, practising Get physical natural painkillers, are produced through some gratitude is a great way to lift your exercise and make you feel positive and spirits. Doing so helps you appreciate Your mental health is surprisingly energetic. To up your endorphins, try what you have, and extract twice the connected to physical factors – in working out, watching a comedy and pleasure from it: first, in experiencing particular, to the chemicals in your getting your laugh on or sniffing whatever you’re grateful for, and second, brain. There are four main “happiness” “euphoric” essential oils such as lavender. in remembering that experience. chemicals, which boost your mood in different ways. Dopamine, or the reward More broadly, your physical health is “Practicing gratitude increases your key to your mental health, although feeling of happiness and helps to create punishingly hard exercise isn’t the be all 20
WELLBEING hope for your future,” says Sullivan-Jones. saving purchases – like buying takeaways sense that whatever life throws at you, “It increases your resilience, making you for dinner so you can spend time with you’ll be able to respond well.” feel less depressed or anxious.” loved ones, or employing a cleaner so you can reclaim your Saturdays – can boost Some experts even go so far as to One of the best things about gratitude your mood and save you stress. That suggest a little bit of pain is necessary to – and positive psychology more generally might seem obvious, but most people overall happiness. Psychologist Paul – is how easy it is to practise. “Practical tend to value time over money, particularly Bloom argues that the most satisfying people can do it, spiritual people can do in this day and age, where we tend to lives involve challenge, struggle and fear it, people who like exercise, people who equate busyness with success and there’s – not just happiness. “We don’t only seek like stillness… everyone can take the time an unspoken sense that success means pleasure, we also want to live meaningful to have a moment of gratitude,” says juggling everything by yourself. lives,” he explains in a recent article for Chambers. “It’s free and doesn’t take long.” The Guardian, “and this involves willingly Additionally, professors Elizabeth Dunn experiencing pain, anxiety and struggle. Sullivan-Jones suggests starting with and Michael Norton offer five principles We see value in chosen suffering.” It’s this a positive mantra you can recite when you for happy spending in their book Happy impulse for meaning that leads people to need a pick-me-up – something like “I am Money: buy experiences, not things; make run marathons and have children – rather grateful for my healthy body”, or “I am your favourite things into treats again than just laze about scoffing chocolate. grateful for my wonderful children”. After (which might mean cutting back for a just a few repetitions, she suggests, you’ll while); buy time; pay now and consume So, how can you feel happier? Try to start to internalise the message. And later (so you have something to look enjoy life moment to moment – get adopting a gratitude mantra at night of forward to); and invest in others. outside, move your body, connect with five things you’re grateful for can also help loved ones, practise gratitude – but don’t you get to sleep. Don’t expect to be happy get hung up on making every second all the time perfect. Know how to calm your body and Spend money wisely mind, and cultivate relationships with Most importantly of all, experts are people who will support you through They say money can’t buy you happiness. unanimous on one point: you shouldn’t hardship. Have a list of things that always But spending it wisely can make your expect to be happy all the time – it’s just lift your mood – a walk with the dog; ice life easier and more enjoyable. Research not possible. cream with the kids – so you know what from Harvard Business School, shows to do when you’re feeling blue. And above that spending your money on outsourcing “Happiness is not this feel-good place all, trust the rhythm: life is ever-changing, tasks you find unpleasant can seriously devoid of any uncomfortable emotion,” and happiness will come back around. g improve your sense of wellbeing. Time- says Chambers. “It’s about having a deep 21
Good vibes We’ve curated a hit list of everything to do, read, see and buy to promote positivity and foster fab feelings! Watch this! Buy one, give one Blind Ambition is an uplifting documentary film and true story about four unlikely Sharing warmth throughout Aotearoa sommeliers from Zimbabwe. The four refugees – Tinashe, Pardon, Joseph and one blanket at a time, CommonKind Marlvin – not only conquer the odds to become South Africa’s top sommeliers, is a new social enterprise we wanted they also form Zimbabwe’s first ever wine-tasting team to compete at the World Wine Blind Tasting Championships in Burgundy, France. In cinemas now. to shout out about. With every purchase of a STAN WALKER CONTINUES CommonKind NZ-made wool blanket, TO INSPIRE one is also gifted to a child in Aotearoa through community organisations We love that HarperCollins has published a using the buy one, give one model. young readers’ edition of Stan Walker’s CommonKind co-founder Kelly bestselling biography, Impossible. The Olatunji says they aim to share the abridged edition, for readers aged 10+, tells joy of bright and warm woollen Walker’s story of resilience, love of his products to those who cannot easily culture and his understanding that success access them, with a focus on dignity doesn’t just happen but requires work and dedication. Walker’s success in becoming and choice.” one of Aotearoa’s most famous singers is commonkind.nz proof that the impossible is possible. Walker has also just released an empowering fragrance, “Human”, with Jakob Carter. The eau de toilette is designed and made in New Zealand and its bold scent is inspired by mental health conversations between friends. The fragrance is made for anyone and everyone, bringing together notes that lift and awaken your “HUMANinty” – in wearing it, you’ll feel a sense of light. 22
Bringing outside WELLBEING into the office Auckland law firm MC has brought the Waitākere Ranges indoors, while also achieving WELL certification and a 6 Green Star rating thanks to the green fingers and innovation of Kiwi plantscaping business Outside In. Integrating the workspace with a taste of the Waitākere ranges has helped overall staff wellbeing, says MC CEO Kylie Mooney. “We have an extremely hardworking team who are often involved in intense legal work, so putting their mental health and wellbeing first by creating a calm and rejuvenating working environment is one of the best investments we made in our new MC Centre,” she says. The project also recently won the overall Diamond Award for Best in Show at the 2022 International Plantscaping Awards. WIN Connecting BOOKS ARE FOR EVERYONE piece by piece Independent online bookstore Alphabet Book Club is selling books and products with positive Founders of PieceHouse Puzzles, Rewa Walters LGBTQIA+ representation. The team – pictured and Sophie Morrison, from left, Theresa Adams, Chelsea Adams and Ruth have a mission to cultivate Evans – believe books are for everyone and Kiwis mindfulness by bringing should be able to see themselves represented in people together for books without paying for excessive shipping. meaningful moments and Its community is made up of book lovers and encouraging an activity people from, by and for the rainbow community. that isn’t on a screen. And with every book purchased, a portion is Their PieceHouse puzzles donated to non-profit groups that are looking feature uplifting artworks after queer, trans, intersex and takatāpui people. by emerging and Its primary focus is young adult, middle reader established New Zealand and children’s books though they also stock adult artists and $1 from each and non-fiction titles. puzzle purchased Book master Chelsea reads every title and can is donated to the Mental answer any queries about appropriateness and Health Foundation of reading ages. New Zealand. alphabetbookclub.nz To be in to win a 23 PieceHouse ‘Golden Hour’ puzzle by illustrator Kelly Spencer, turn to page 111. Spencer has a passion for travel and sunshine and likes to promote conservation of our natural environment through her work. piecehouse.co.nz
Free from social media How taking a break from social media can boost your wellbeing – in ways you never expected. Words Wendyl Nissen. Photography Jane Ussher L ast year when I was in the muting them, which is a polite way of middle of writing my latest not looking at their posts without book, Natural Care, I decided offending them. to conduct an experiment on myself. I would give up social media Then I realised that it was all just a and see what happened. horrible charade created by this beast. I had been getting quite resentful of Not only was Instagram wasting my time, the time I spent scrolling through it was introducing social difficulties into Instagram when I found myself once my life. Muting someone on social media again lying on the couch looking at is no different to turning the other way recipes, pretty kittens and puppies and when you pass someone on the street. photos of Italy when I could have been It’s rude. And I was doing it a lot. reading a book or talking to someone. Recipes, pretty kittens and puppies and I had deleted my Facebook and photos of Italy will always be available so Twitter accounts years ago, mainly why did I need to have a constant diet of because of trolls, because social media is them, several times a day? no friend of women with opinions. I was also starting to get annoyed by some people I followed on Instagram. It I held on to Instagram because it wasn’t their fault – it was their Instagram showed me pretty pictures of things I account, after all – but I found some of the was interested in, but slowly and surely it stuff they were posting was a bit off. turned into something I felt I had to do. I Instagram had gone from something needed to check in on my friends and pretty to something quite shouty where family several times a day and make sure people found it necessary to parade and I liked all their posts so that they knew I fluff their feathers. People I previously cared and I also had to post some stuff liked turned out to be quite different when on my page every few days to keep the they were shouting, and this upset me. 3,000 people who were following me Some of it, I think, was due to Covid happy and engaged. forcing people to reveal their true colours. A number of people I followed Flipping the switch shouted about how we shouldn’t be in lockdown and how herd immunity was Then one day I had had enough. Did the way to go and how unfair it was that anyone really care? Did I really care? I their privileged lives were being looked at the piles of books beside my inconvenienced. bed waiting to be read, the garden waiting I was shocked, as previously I thought for me to tend it, my work waiting for me these people were pretty cool and sort of to meet a deadline and I realised that lying on my wavelength. If I unfollowed them on the couch swiping a phone had taken that would be rude, so I started just priority over things that bring me real, authentic and genuine joy. I had somehow persuaded myself that time with my phone was a recreational activity when it wasn’t. It was an attention-hungry device, 24
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designed to keep me engaged and spending time in nature, your local park · I wrote a few reminders for the therefore making money for large or your own home, you cannot exactly following week, which included planting corporations through the ads that I do nothing, but you can do better things roses, adding some more lettuce scrolled through and sometimes read, and with your time. seedlings to the lettuce patch and seeing it was doing this to the detriment of my if I could work out how to make a quality of life. So I put my Instagram on As I read the pages I suddenly became pumpkin and cashew curry using the hold – just to see what happened. aware that I was NOT CONCENTRATING. I pumpkin which had secretly grown in my was constantly putting down the book to garden and which I had discovered just Nothing happened, which was sort of check this or that, then I would return to before I left. the point. And months later, only two the book for a few more pages. So, I took people had been in touch to say, “Why out my notebook and pen, which I had · I Googled pumpkin cashew curry aren’t you on Instagram anymore?” One near me to take notes about the book, recipes and saved a few on my phone. was my publisher, who was just checking and wrote a list of what I had spent that that I was okay, and the other was first hour doing. Here it is: · I checked my email five times. It someone who followed me from Australia was a Sunday. No one emails me on a and was worried I had blocked her. She · I googled how much the Bose Sunday anymore. messaged my husband, Paul, and when Bluetooth speaker in my room would cost he explained it was nothing personal, she as I’d quite like to buy one for travelling What I found myself doing in that hotel said she missed my posts, which was and it had a nice bass sound I really room was repeating behaviours I had nice. So my need to post every few days appreciated. become quite used to during the past six to keep 3,000 people happy was months. Constant phone-checking for obviously all in my head. · I texted my kids – we have five – Instagram or emails, constant looking up so that was five texts just saying that I things on Google, constant queries and Learning to do nothing was checking in and hope they are having questions, all the time. Even on a Sunday. a nice day. At one stage I even installed an email Shortly after pausing the very needy Instagram, I read a book by Jenny Odell · I called my friend Kerre to check called How to Do Nothing: Resisting the in on her weekend. Attention Economy. · I called my husband Paul to tell To be honest, I just read the first part him about the Bose speaker and how of the title, “How to Do Nothing”, and good it was and tell him how Kerre’s thought it would be a self-help book from weekend was going. the US that would have tips and summaries to flick through – I’m quite a · I replied to the text replies from good speed reader after years proofing my kids. magazines – and from which I would take away one or two things which could help · I cleaned my reading glasses, me embrace a less hectic lifestyle. which involved a long search to find the cleaning solution and cloth – I took the book to Wellington but which were hiding at the bottom of when I arrived, Wellington was in a blind my backpack. panic because a man from Sydney had arrived with Covid, so everything was · I made a coffee, which involved shut down to Level 2. The surrealist working out how to use the Nestlé exhibition at Te Papa and the opera I capsule machine as well as quite the had been planning to enjoy were both dialogue in my head about those closed. I had an afternoon where it was capsules filling landfills and how if I just me in a nice hotel with hotel sheets was really a greenie I would refuse to and a lovely, fresh book to read. What use them, but then I would have to go woman doesn’t love that? out for coffee and I didn’t have my reusable cup with me so that’s even I settled in, put a Spotify playlist called more non-recyclable waste... “Baroque for Thinking and Study” on the Bluetooth speaker and began to read. · I checked the time... four times. · I Googled nearby cafes that I might I realised pretty quickly that this was want to visit for a late lunch and then not a US self-help book I could speed looked at their menus online. read in an hour. It was a carefully · I also checked the room-service researched, thoughtfully written book by a menu in case that would suffice. socially conscious artist in California. Odell · I noticed one of my nails was argues that by turning against social chipped, so went looking for one of those media or the “attention economy” and sandpaper nail files you sometimes get in clearing space by listening, thinking, and hotel bathrooms but couldn’t find one. · I made a supermarket shopping list for when I got home, which included a nail file. 26
walked away from social media. WELLBEING preferring #NOMO to #FOMO (the necessity of missing out instead of the fear of missing out). blocker, which only let me read emails She explains it as “a kind of Living freely three times a day. My habit of checking deprogramming device” and “as When I finally finished the book, I realised that I was halfway there. Living in the constantly had become uncontrollable – sustenance for those feeling too Hokianga in a rural setting means that I am in touch with a lot of the things which a symptom I later realised came from a disassembled to act meaningfully”. help us do nothing. I spend time in nature every day. I know the names of all the job that wasn’t for me. She suggests that finding time to birds that live around me and stop and listen to them often. I swim in the sea and I sat on the bed and laughed at the think, reflect, heal and sustain will repair am very attuned to the rhythms of nature, such as winds and tides, as I literally irony of what I was doing. I was trying to ourselves. And then we need to relearn immerse myself in them. I rest my mind regularly with meditation, breathing read a book about how to stop the very some behaviours. practices and good sleep. But instead of prioritising these things, they only behaviour I was exhibiting One of them is learning how to happened if I had time away from work. while reading. listen. She writes: “Unfortunately, It hasn’t even been a year since I closed my Instagram account in June our constant engagement with 2021, but I know I won’t go back. There are times when I wouldn’t mind being on Reconnecting the attention economy means social media, like when I started getting good results on Wordle and wanted the with nature that this is something many of us world to know. Or when I grew some amazing roses and wanted to share them I put on my raincoat and took (myself included) may have to with lots of people. Both times I tried to persuade my husband to put these things a walk on a wet, windy relearn... the platforms that we on his social media crediting me. He agreed to the roses but not Wordle; that Wellington Sunday afternoon use to communicate with each was a step too far and he only needed one go to tell me that. and then I came back and other do not encourage listening. As a journalist it’s frustrating not to be tried again. Natural Care: Taking Instead they reward shouting and able to research someone’s social media account before interviewing them, but This time it worked. What Care of Yourself over-simple reaction.” again I can access my husband’s account I learned from Odell’s book is the Natural Way by Odell used the rose garden in for that. But I have to be careful. More that “doing nothing” is actually Wendyl Nissen, Allen than once I’ve borrowed his phone for not about doing nothing. & Unwin, $45, is out her local park to sit and listen. “research” and he’s found me half an hour She began to bird-watch and she later still on there, scrolling, scrolling, on April 5. scrolling. Quite unconsciously. When I realise what I’m doing I’m horrified with myself and throw the phone back at him. Which just goes to show how subtle the pull of social media can be. Am I happier without Instagram? Certainly. Mainly because I have my time back which I end up spending swimming or gardening or reading. Sometimes I even watch television – in the middle of the day! But the best bit is the freedom. Knowing that whatever happens in my day will be decided on by me, alone. Not an algorithm second-guessing my wants and desires and mostly getting them right. g 27
“ Am I happier without Instagram? C ertainly. Mainly because I have my time back which I end up spending swimming or gardening or reading.” Wendyl Nissen 28
Pumpkin Cashew Nut Curry This recipe was inspired by my friend, the amazing food writer Nici Wickes. I love a good veggie curry and this one fits the bill on any night. Vegetarian / Gluten-free, Serves 2-3 with rice or noodles Photography Sarah Tuck and cut ½ teaspoon brown add the cumin, turmeric and onion, cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until WELLBEINGinto roughsugarthe onions are tender, stirring often. chunks 1 x 400ml can Add the pumpkin, cashews, ginger and brown sugar. Cook, without stirring, ½ cup raw cashews coconut milk until some of the nuts and pieces of pumpkin are golden. Pour in the 2 tablespoons juice 1 lemon coconut milk, then cover and simmer until the pumpkin is tender. Squeeze in grated fresh sea salt and ground the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. ginger pepper 2 tablespoons olive 1 teaspoon ground oil turmeric Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and cook the mustard seeds gently 2 teaspoons 1 large onion, thinly until they start to pop. Immediately mustard seeds sliced 1 teaspoon cumin 500 grams seeds pumpkin, peeled 29
Crazy or CREDIBLE? Do celeb wellbeing rituals really work? I decided to find out for myself – with a few surprises along the way. Words Maddie Ballard D ear reader, proceed with caution. I won’t be keeping this one in my regular rotation, began trialling these rituals sure none of because by 4pm, I was about ready to call it a day them could work. But after eight weeks – and that’s no life for someone who, unlike of all kinds of voodoo, I’ve actually found Jennifer Aniston, needs to finish three articles, a couple I might keep. You’ve been warned – ditch make dinner and put the laundry on. your preconceptions now! Daily baths – Emma Watson Ice bath face dunk – Kate Hudson To be honest, this one was an indulgence. How What would possess someone to put their face in could a daily bath not improve your happiness? a bowl of ice water first thing in the morning? All it Forty minutes put aside to light your favourite takes, as it turns out, is a persuasive editor. Either candle, lower yourself into delightfully warm water, that, or a close look at Kate Hudson’s skin, which break out the bath bomb you got last Christmas is flawless, and apparently largely due to a daily and read your book? I had a ball. The only freezing dunk. The first day I did this ritual, I challenge was finding time: I’d recommend just gasped at the cold and inhaled a bunch of water, before bed – once the dishes are done, the kids which is certainly an effective way to wake up. But are asleep and your partner is happily ensconced after the third day, I started to get it. It is in Netflix. There’s nothing better than a bit invigorating to wake up immediately. You do feel of enforced “me” time. No wonder Emma looks good afterwards. I shock myself by admitting I’d so relaxed. recommend it – but I do. Make sure you have a towel to dry off handy. 7+ glasses of water a day – J-Lo We all know we should be drinking Working out at 4.30am – more water – but who actually Jennifer Aniston does? J-Lo swears hydration is the Escaping the house so as not key to her age-defying look, so I to wake my long-suffering figured it was worth a go. I set an partner (“Do NOT do any alarm on my phone to drink a glass of water every jumping jacks”), I strolled hour, on the hour. I committed to two weeks. Did it groggily out into the dark garden and set up my make a difference? Certainly I found myself workout video. I felt swimmy during the crunches needing to pee more, naturally always at and ill during the leg raises. I’m now convinced inconvenient times (middle of an interview? that listening to high-energy workout music check; stuck on the motorway? double check). I before 5am is guaranteed to put you in a bad also never remembered to drink a glass of my own mood. But by the time I got to the jumping jacks accord – I was totally dependent on the alarm, – executed gently, on soft grass – I was starting to which I had to explain to so many people over the enjoy myself. And hoofing it up Mt Eden as a final two weeks, I felt a bit like a lunatic (“I’m just doing step, to see the sunrise, was pretty nice. Still, I this thing where I pretend to be J-Lo”). But after a 30
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“It turns out it’s almost impossible to disguise the taste of raw broccoli in a drink, no matter how you adjust the ratios.” fortnight, I think I actually do feel better than Daily collagen smoothies – Sofia Vergara Photograph Ivan Andrianov via Stocksy usual – awake, less pimply, a tiny bit radiant. I’ll be There’s been a lot of buzz recently about the giving up the alarms, but sticking a permanent health benefits of regular collagen smoothies: Post-it to the top of my computer screen plusher skin, shinier hair, pain-free joints… the reminding me to drink a glass whenever I get up. works. Keen to try it out for myself, I picked up a canister of vanilla-flavoured collagen creamer and Oil pulling for whiter teeth – Shailene Woodley began adding it to my morning coffee. The Drawn from traditional Ayurvedic practice, oil verdict? It tastes delicious, like a piece of birthday pulling involves swishing vegetable oil around cake, and sweetens your coffee without adding your mouth for 15-20 minutes a day, supposedly refined sugar. But after three weeks of daily to draw out toxins, break down plaque and whiten dosing, I can’t say I saw any results. I definitely your teeth. Like everybody, I’d love to have whiter didn’t look worse, but I’m not too keen on teeth – but 15-20 minutes a day?! In the name of spending $40 for a box of false promises. Pass. scientific investigation, I buckled in. I chose some coconut oil from the kitchen pantry, melted down Dry brushing – Gwyneth Paltrow a tablespoon, and began swirling it around my What is dry brushing and why do it? mouth. To begin with, it was quite pleasant: Gwyneth has the answers. Rubbing a coconut oil tastes nice, and I was happily large, dry brush all over contemplating the pearly whites I’d soon have. But your body for a few minutes before you after 10 minutes, I was starting to think about jaw hop in the shower (or your Emma strain and how badly I’d like one of J-Lo’s 7+ Watson-style bath) is supposed to boost glasses of water. As soon as the timer hit 15, I spat your lymphatic system, reduce water out the oil and rinsed my mouth with saltwater, retention and puffiness, exfoliate your skin the recommended medium to break down the icky and make you feel more energised. Surely, I thought, residue left on your teeth, and swore never again. this is the ultimate wellbeing hogwash – coming This one was Most Definitely not for me. from the queen of wellbeing hogwash. But it turns out to be strangely delightful. I bought a cheap Green monster smoothie wooden-handled brush, stripped off in the bathroom – Victoria Beckham and began brushing each of my limbs “upwards What do you get if you load green towards the heart”, as Vogue recommends. In 30 apple, lemon, kiwifruit, spinach, seconds or less, I felt oddly soothed and buzzy all broccoli and a healthy dash of over, like I’d had a massage. This one’s joining the coconut water into a blender? A semi- permanent rotation. drinkable goop that, Beckham assures us, will improve your glow and perk up Apple cider vinegar shots – your mental function. The key to Kourtney Kardashian making a smoothie, I’ve always found, is artfully Apple cider vinegar is a home disguising the taste of all the super-healthy things remedy staple, used for centuries in it. But it turns out it’s almost impossible to to treat everything from a sore throat disguise the taste of raw broccoli in a drink, no to excess dandruff. But Kourtney matter how you adjust the ratios. Not one to be Kardashian, bless her, swears by her morning shot discouraged, I committed to a week – and by the as a weight loss aid and a skin clearer. It can’t be so time Sunday rolled around, I found, gasp, that I’d bad, I thought, measuring out my first dose. just about come round. I’d still rather eat my Unfortunately, I was wrong. Shooting back a broccoli for dinner, but I was feeling great and had spoonful of vinegar first thing in the morning is a stopped snacking before lunch. What more could guaranteed method for digestive discomfort and a you ask for? bad taste in your mouth. On one hand, I wasn’t 32
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Photograph Jovo Jovanovic via Stocksy “It can’ t be so bad, I thought, measuring out my first [shot o f apple cider vinegar]. WELLBEING Un fortunately, I was wrong.” hungry afterwards, so perhaps it really is an bottle – that makes this quite a fun little ritual. appetite suppressant. On the other hand, I Plus, as Lizzo says, it’s a good way to start couldn’t think of the morning without shuddering, hydrating as soon as you wake up. and after five days, my skin looked much the same. Meditating and applying coconut oil to your face at Morning yoga with a candle – night – Serena Williams Felicity Jones With her athletic prowess and “Morning yoga?” said my partner, incredible work ethic, Serena when I mentioned this to him. “That Williams is someone I look up sounds great, actually.” And so we to. I’d guess her success found ourselves, on a bright January comes down to her daily morning, lighting a lemongrass candle habits – so why not give two of them a go? in the lounge and Googling Yoga with Adriene. We Somehow, even though I know how much unrolled our purple mats, stretched out our meditation benefits me, I very rarely make time for sleep-stiffened joints and folded ourselves creakily it – so it was quite an event to open up into a downward dog, while beyond the window, an Headspace on an ordinary Monday. I plugged in efficient neighbour began mowing his lawn and the my headphones, lay on the couch and took a neighbourhood’s teenagers began trudging to deep, mindful breath in. Ten minutes later, I was school. I can’t work out whether we enjoyed the feeling soothed and ready for sleep – but not yoga (and lemongrass) so much because we were before I’d rubbed some coconut oil, straight from neither doing a household chore nor going to my kitchen cupboard, into my pores. The verdict? school, or because we were enjoying the yoga, but I I could skip the coconut oil: it took ages to absorb, guess it doesn’t matter. After just a couple of days lightly stained my pillowcase and left me with a of this ritual, I was looking forward to it when I went minor breakout. But the meditation was a winner: I to bed each night – and my partner had even slept like a baby, and woke feeling like while an thought to buy a couple of other candles. international tennis career might be beyond me, meeting my deadline might not. Mist your face with water first thing – Lizzo B12 injection – Madonna When I bought my first house The holy grail. I’ve been told a B12 plants, I invested in a plastic spray injection is a life-changer, giving you bottle, envisioning myself energy you didn’t even know you were swanning through a lush indoor capable of – and reader, the rumours jungle and spritzing lightly, in a are true. After a quick shot in the arm “nature’s goddess” sort of fashion. But it turns out at my local pharmacy, I walked out feeling not I struggle to keep even one or two plants alive. much different. But when I woke up the next day, I Luckily, there’s now a second use for the spray felt… fantastic. I don’t know if it was because I’ve bottle: misting my face with water when I wake up, been fighting a battle with anaemia for years, or if à la Lizzo. I was prepared to find this practice a bit I’d just had a particularly good sleep, but a B12 pointless, given I already wash my face when I get shot perked me up better than any cup of coffee up, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. There’s I’ve ever had. Two weeks after my injection, I’m something about misting your face in the cool sleeping better, more focused at work, and light of morning – the delicacy of the water generally full of beans. I can’t recommend it droplets, the light refreshment without actually enough – although you should check with your getting cold, the sheer fun of operating a spray doctor first if it’s right for you. g 35
Your happy place Good reader picks for great pick-me-ups! Compiled by Carolyn Enting W e asked you, our · The Big Bang Theory 12 feel-good reads Photography Vera Lair via Stocksy wonderful Good readers, · Taskmaster to share your favourite · Gilmore Girls · Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon happy books, movies, · MasterChef · Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert songs and podcasts, what makes you · The Practice of Happiness by John Kehoe feel happy – and the results are in! Top 30 happy playlist · A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson · The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley Big thanks to those who responded · Happy – Pharrell Williams · A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle to our online survey. We believe you · Feeling Good – Nina Simone · Dear Fatty by Dawn French can never have too many suggestions · I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown · You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero for creating more feel-good moments · Beautiful Day – U2 · Breath by James Nestor and hope each of you makes more · Ain’t No Mountain High Enough · Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty happy discoveries here. · Infinite Self by Stuart Wilde – Marvin Gave & Tammi Terrell · Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Your fave feel-good films · On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons Podcasts to uplift and inspire · Love Actually · Always on My Mind – Tiki Taane · Mamma Mia · Walking on Sunshine – Katrina · 11:11 with Rachel Hunter and Emma Mildon · Downton Abbey · Straight Up with Niva and Beatrice · The Castle and the Waves · Self Love with Kim Morrison · Shirley Valentine · Deliciously Ella with Ella Mills · The Holiday · Sunshine on the Water – Tama Waipara · Happier with Gretchen Rubin · Grease · Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen · The Happy Saver with Ruth · Labyrinth · No Matter What – Boyzone · Feel Better Live More with Dr Rangan · Under the Tuscan Sun · Uptown Girl – Billy Joel · Mrs Doubtfire · I’m Still Standing – Elton John Chatterjee · Four Weddings and a Funeral · Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond · The Sound of Music · Cover Me in Sunshine – P!nk, · Sattva Soul with Celine Wallace · Dirty Dancing · Thrive TV Show with Lauren Parsons · Bridget Jones’s Diary Willow Sage Hart · The Girls Uninterrupted with Brodie Kane, · 10 Things I Hate About You · Flashdance · You Are Everything to Me – Caitlin Marett and Gracie Taylor · Bridesmaids · Amélie The Real Thing · No Filter with Mia Freedman · Robin Hood: Men in Tights · Reiki Radio with Yolanda Williams · Woke Up Late – Drax Project · Happy Place with Fearne Cotton Pick-me-up TV shows · Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman · Hamish & Andy with Hamish Blake and Andy Lee · Better – Khalid · SmartLess with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes · Call the Midwife · Midnight Sky – Miley Cyrus · Friends · April Sun in Cuba – Dragon and Will Arnett · Virgin River · Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham! · Escape to the Chateau · Can’t Stop The Feeling! – · Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware · Emily in Paris · Oprah Super Soul with Oprah Winfrey · Are You Being Served? Justin Timberlake · Unlocking Us with Brené Brown · The Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo · Cecilia – Simon and Garfunkel · Infinite Potential with Deepak Chopra · Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra · Huberman Lab with Dr Andrew Huberman · I Am Woman – Helen Reddy · Toni and Ryan with Toni Lodge and Ryan Jon · Beautiful – Carole King · Stitch Wish Radio with Christi Johnson · It’s a Beautiful Day – Michael Bublé · Mysterious Girl – Peter Andre · Simply the Best – Tina Turner 36
37 WELLBEING
WELLBEING Readers share things that lift them up that you may like to try: COLOUR ME · Nalda: “Reading makes me happy because it takes me to far-away places to enjoy and understand how other cultures live.” HAPPY · Julie: “Karate is my stress relief, exercise, my challenge and the dojo I attend creates a wonderful supportive environment and is a fabulous community.” Dopamine · Bonnie: “Bitch by Meredith Brooks is my song. Love singing it at karaoke. It just dressing pumps me up.” · Dress with the · Rachel: “[After watching Labyrinth] it’s scientifically impossible to NOT feel happy while singing along with David Bowie in his spectacular tights!” intention of boosting · Kirsten: “Beautiful by Carole King is a good reminder to wake up every morning, your mood put a smile on your face and treat people with manaakitanga! You create your own happiness with your own attitude and actions!” Certain colours can · Becky: “The Toni & Ryan Podcast will always make me laugh and is something to have a powerful effect take you out of a funk if you are having a low day.” on our moods. Wearing · Ariane: “Braiding Sweetgrass is an amazing book – the kind that you want to buy the colour green, for copies of for everyone you know. The author brings together her knowledge of both example, can help make plant/botanical science and indigenous knowledge (Anishinaabe, Native American), us feel more relaxed via personal stories and observations, and gentle beautiful writing, to share life and less anxious. It’s learnings gleaned from the plant world. On almost every page are sections that I want to quote. calming, uplifting As someone who has always loved and and soothes. been fascinated by plants, reading this book is like being embraced in a huge Blue is peaceful. Yellow hug, coming home to my own mind/ can also improve your way of thinking. I find it incredibly calming and hopeful, even as she mood and boost describes harms we’ve done to the energy. Colours natural world and to each other, associated with because she reminds me that we are all optimism include interconnected and that the greater green and yellow. forces of nature are always at work.” · Kirstie: “The Happy Place · Dressing for virtual podcast has conversations about meetings real life, real feelings Overall there have with real people. It certainly been less makes me remember opportunities to dress I’m not alone in up lately, but putting whatever I might be some thought into the feeling that day. clothes we wear at Always gives me home during virtual perspective. And almost calls can still provide always lifts my mood.” that boost to your · Riley: “I love the Deliciously mood according to Ella podcast. Her voice is psychology professor so soothing and makes me Jennifer Pfeuffer, PsyD. feel calm and at peace Choosing an outfit that with everything.” you’ll enjoy looking at and feel good 38 wearing on screen can reinforce beneficial mental pathways. Listen to Good’s Happiness playlist on Spotify! Search Good magazine in the Spotify app to find us. spotify.com
The Good team share their ultimate pick-me-ups Carolyn Enting, editor · Happiness is… being in nature, and a sea swim! · My favourite pick-me-up movie is… Mamma Mia – it never fails to make laugh. · My favourite feel-good book is... Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Or, if I want to laugh, Thirty Thousand Bottles of Wine and a Pig Called Helga by Todd Alexander is priceless! · I always feel uplifted after… listening to Beautiful Day by U2 and Happy by Pharrell Williams. Maddie Ballard, sub-editor/features writer · Happiness is… singing in a choir. · My favourite feel-good book is… Pride and Prejudice, for pure unrivalled sunniness. · I always feel uplifted after… I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail or Little Women. Sarah Tuck, editorial director · Happiness is… when both my grown-up sons are well and happy… and a swim in the sea… the whole deal, warming up in the sunshine, getting in, being submerged in water, then later showering off the salty goodness! · I always feel uplifted after… listening to You’re the Best Thing by The Style Council and Higher Love by Steve Winwood. · My favourite pick-me-up movies are... Billy Elliot, Pride and It’s Complicated. Sam Bluemel, commercial manager · My favourite feel-good book is... Harry Potter for a light pick-me-up! · I always feel uplifted after... going for a good long power walk while listening to the Armchair Expert poddy, or plonking myself down with a bowl of popcorn and a bit of Disney magic. Millie Hinchliffe, digital producer · Happiness is... looking after myself and surrounding myself with people who radiate good energy. · My favourite feel-good books are... Gone Girl and The Lord of the Rings series. · I always feel uplifted after... I’ve listened to the feel-good Spotify playlist I made for myself with songs including Mr Blue Sky by ELO, You Get What You Give by New Radicals, Good Life by Kanye West, Lately by INXS and more. Also after I’ve watched my favourite feel-good movie, 10 Things I Hate About You! Archie Blohm, art director · Happiness is… having a good laugh with friends and family. · My favourite feel-good book is… Ali: a Life by Jonathan Eig. I found it really motivating and interesting. · My favourite pick-me-up movie is... Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
WRITTEN IN the stars Sun, moon, planets and stars – why astrology’s having a moment and how it can work for you. Words Carolyn Enting
Just as the ancients looked to the Mildon admits she tries not to go out occupied while she pursued a career WELLBEING stars for guidance, more and more on a full moon. Not because she morphs as a Wall Street stockbroker. The signs people are looking to astrology in into a werewolf but because she tends to and symbols of astrology became her the wellbeing space. become emotional. playmates, and she gave them nicknames Its revival globally is understandable based on their characteristics. given the turbulent times we live in as Sosnoski elaborates her beliefs. “Full people seek reassurance in the now, and moons can definitely affect us – there’s She went on to study with some future. Past research has found people a lot more emotional tension and intense of the top astrologers in America and are more likely to embrace astrology when feelings around a full moon. As far back as Europe. However, she found many of they are under stress. 400 BC, doctors and philosophers have them to be too fatalistic, what she calls attributed behavioural changes to full “the doom and gloomers”. “Aside from “One of the things that makes us moons, so it’s not a new concept. Where gaining deeper understanding of the study human is that we are always wondering, do you think the word ‘lunacy’ comes of astrology through various teachers, searching; we’re always asking ‘why?’, from? (Luna = moon). Astrologically, I didn’t feel it gave me a lot of personal and so certainly in times of challenge or that’s when the sun and the moon are in support or encouragement – that’s difficulty we’re looking for answers,” says opposition, so there’s a push-pull energy, when I started to develop my form of Keep Looking Up! motivational astrologer an edginess, a restlessness. We are more astrology – motivational astrology. This and life coach, GiGi Sosnoski. inclined to experience insomnia, stressful utilises the astrology chart as a tool for interactions, accident-prone behaviour or greater self-awareness, self-expression “People down through the ages have over-indulgence. It’s a time of culmination, and self-actualisation,” she says. “There turned to the holistic or esoteric arts for so things are coming to a head.” are astrologers out there who are very answers, especially in times of turmoil, much like ‘this is the way life is going to because the ‘reality’ of their current Simply explained, astrology is the be’ but I believe you have free will. You situation isn’t offering the support they study of connections between cosmic and are the driver of your destiny. Looking at need. Astrology can give people hope, earthly events. Your position within the an astrology chart is like looking at a road assurance and a sense of comfort about zodiac is your spiritual energy signature, map. You are free to go down any road what’s going on. We’re all seeking answers made from the exact date and time of your in life you choose, but here’s some of the one way or another.” arrival into the world, and can track your directions that might take you to your identity, values, family, lovers, experiences, destination in a more empowering way.” Astrology also gives you the space networks, skills and gifts, says Mildon. It’s to be uniquely you. “People all want to a blueprint for your life, and it holds clues Today, Sosnoski uses her motivational be honoured, respected and seen as to help guide you, showing you what your astrology to help people see their true individuals,” say Ophira and Tali Edut, best true purpose is and how to embody it. potential, understand themselves better known as The AstroTwins. “It allows you and get through any blockages to start to own and celebrate your quirks, without “Every chart is individual,” says moving forward. “From an astrology chart, being judged for having them. Weirdly, it’s Sosnoski. “I look at an astrology chart as if we can see so much about the person’s a safe space to be yourself and to belong.” it were a fingerprint or snowflake, each one true persona – physically, emotionally, unique and no two are alike. An astrology mentally and spiritually, as well as the Another reason for the recent rise chart is your celestial DNA, your life unique talents, abilities and gifts you’ve in astrology’s popularity could be roadmap, a blueprint of your soul’s purpose. been given to work with. It’s my joy to technology, according to The AstroTwins: It confirms that yes, you are unique, you share this information with others.” She “As technology use grows, people long are perfect within yourself. You are like no believes knowing more about astrology to be connected to nature, to live in other and it gives us wonderful insight into and using it in your life is one of the best sync with the cycles of the moon.” Not what you can look forward to, what you can gifts you could give yourself or another. to mention, the advent of apps makes develop, what you can learn, the directions astrology super-easy to access. you can choose for your life to take and Don’t know your time of birth? how that can be empowering to you.” Speaking of the moon, astrologers Your astrological chart is a map of the believe that the moon’s cycle affects us New York-born Sosnoski first heavens at the time and place you were and our astrological charts. “The moon discovered astrology age 10 and it’s born and Sosnoski believes it’s part of your pulls more than just the rise and fall of been her passion ever since. She was soul path and growth, what you’re here to our ocean’s tides – as we are made up of introduced to the subject by her mother, do and how best you reach your potential. water, our bodies too experience a shift, who wanted to keep her only child a pull, a rise and fall similar to the tides, so it is natural for us to feel the effects “ Full moons can de finitely a f fect us – there’s of the lunar phases,” says Emma Mildon, a lot o f emotional tension and intense author of The Soul Searchers Handbook: feelings around a full moon.” The Modern Girl’s Guide to the New Age World. “In fact, it is an age-old practice GiGi Sosnoski to rest, restore or even detoxify the body when it coincides with the moon’s movements,” – specifically, detoxing at the full moon. 41
“As technology use grows, people long to be advance our goals, hopes and desires. connected to nature, to live in sync with the It’s up to us to take what we know from astrology and apply that to our own life. cycles of the moon.” The planets are there to give us guidance, empowerment, support. To me, they give The AstroTwins worlds of information about our true calling, how we can get the most out of “Your astrology chart can reveal so a sunny day, the obelisk casts a shadow life, how we can understand ourselves much about what makes you special, what on a structure on the ground called an better and how we can manoeuvre around you do that is unique, the abilities and analemma. As the shadow falls upon difficulties and emerge stronger for it. talents you should cultivate. It can show the analemma it can be read to give the Astrology gives you beautiful insight challenges we may face, what we can learn date and the length of the day, which into someone’s soul, and that is the gift from them and how to navigate them, but varies throughout the year,” he says. of astrology, but you need to be very there’s no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in my motivational “The shadow also shows where the sun gentle, careful and loving with that. The astrology. It’s how we use the energy,” she is amongst the stars and the zodiacal whole point of my motivational astrology says. When getting your chart done it’s sign it is moving through. In astrology, is supporting the person, validating ideal to know the time of your birth but 50 where the shadow falls identifies the star the person, encouraging the person, per cent don’t know and that’s okay, says sign of people born on that date. Visitors appreciating the person’s uniqueness and Sosnoski, she can work around that. to Stonehenge Aotearoa are usually helping them to see their true potential.” surprised to discover that their star sign is There is an abundance of astrology not that given in newspapers and popular The science apps and birth chart websites to check magazines.” Most horoscope guides give out if you’re curious about your own – the date range for different star signs According to modern science, astrology check out Time Passages, Co-Star, Mystic based on their northern hemisphere doesn’t stack up. When Richard and Kay Mondays or The Pattern. placements – so you might be a couple of worked at Carter Observatory, it was all days out here in New Zealand. about astronomy, not astrology – World upside down “everything had to be strictly science”. So how does this affect your chart? And what about reading the stars in the Not much, according to Sosnoski. But whether it’s scientifically proven or Southern Hemisphere as opposed to the not, looking to the stars can be a whole lot Northern Hemisphere, where the zodiac “When we look up in the sky, we may of fun as well as mystifying. was written in the stars, so to speak? be seeing different star patterns and constellations but the planets and signs Since she was a little girl, Sosnoski “The positions of the stars on the are what we use in astrology, not the stars has been looking up and been in awe celestial globe remain the same. However, or constellations. We use the sun, moon, of the magnificence, beauty, splendour the constellations in the Southern Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and power of the universe. She loves the Hemisphere appear upside-down Uranus, Neptune and Pluto (and to a feeling of looking up and being amongst compared to how they are seen in the lesser extent asteroids: Ceres, Pallas, Juno, the stars – which feels like “home”, she North. In addition, the altitude of the paths Vesta, Chiron, etc., plus the North and says. “It’s also a beautiful experience, of stars will depend upon the observer’s South Lunar Nodes), and they’re up there especially here in New Zealand where the latitude,” says Stonehenge Aotearoa co- regardless of where you are. What we’re sky is so vibrant and clear,” she adds. founder and astronomer Richard Hall. looking at is, for example, the placement of Venus in Capricorn or the Moon in “There’s an old adage that says, ‘as Stonehenge Aotearoa in Wairarapa was Aquarius and how that impacts your above so below’. From the beginning of built following the ancient knowledge of personal chart and forecast.” time we’ve looked to the heavens for stone circles and adapted to New Zealand guidance. Throughout civilisation – the conditions – but that’s not unusual. She is quick to point out that “Planets Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, Mayans all don’t make things happen; we do! The watched the phases of the moon to “Stonehenge is a generic name for planets move through different signs at know when to plant and harvest stone circles that have lintels,” Hall says. different times, giving us insight on how their crops. The North Star “In addition to the one in England, there we can utilise the energies to further our has always been is one in Russia and another in Bulgaria. growth, make progress and gain success. sought out There are, however, hundreds of stone By knowing what’s ahead we can circles throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. better prepare and find the Each is unique because each has to be most advantageous designed for its precise position on the times to Earth and the surrounding topography.” Hall says they get lots of questions from visitors to Stonehenge about their sun signs and the zodiacs. “At the centre of the Henge is an obelisk. Near noon, on 42
by sailors to reach their destination. In fact, Planets explained the sun is positioned in your astrology WELLBEING the Māori navigated to New Zealand from chart (based on your date, time and place Polynesia by just observing the night sky! A guide by GiGi Sosnoski of birth), lets us know the areas of life In spite of all the scientific technology, the where you can sparkle! It is influenced also stars will always be a go-to for explorers The sun by the astrological connection your sun and to this day are used when there is Everyone knows their sun sign – these makes to the other planets and points in equipment failure. The sky, stars and are the 12 classic signs of the zodiac – but your chart, so again, it is unique to YOU! planets have always been an important often not what the sun actually represents One person’s Aries sun is not necessarily tool for our personal navigation and will in your astrology chart. The sun rules your like anyone else’s. It takes approximately always remain as such.” will, your ego, your vitality, your leadership one month for the sun to change zodiac ability, your sense of identity and your signs. Leo is the zodiac sign ruled by the Sosnoski has high hopes for the future. creative life force. Many believe it also sun – epitomising all that glorious vibrancy “I do believe we’ll come out of this time represents our true purpose in this life. It with natural-born leadership and charisma. of challenge much stronger and more signifies your ability to express yourself as compassionate, even if there is a divisive an individual and where you The moon energy going on right now. That is what I can shine. Where The moon in your chart lets us know how believe some of the astrological energies you feel, how you react, what you need are pointing to going forward.” for your emotional security in life. It represents our nurturing urge, emotions, instincts, moods, receptivity, feelings. It’s all about our emotional and instinctual energies and how we express these. “ Where your sun is positioned in your astrology chart lets us know the areas o f your li fe where you can really sparkle” GiGi Sosnoski 43
The sign your moon is in (based on your Mercury Gemini and analytical, observant Virgo are date, time and place of birth) and where Mercury is the planet that rules all travel, ruled by Mercury. it’s located in your chart shows where communications, movement, interactions you are emotionally invested and where and thought processes. Where Mercury is Mercury retrograde you seek comfort and security. The moon located in your personal astrology chart Mercury retrograde is usually known for can also show issues surrounding our tells us about your intellectual urge, how communication mishaps, travel delays, mothers, home, family and upbringing. you express yourself, your reasoning mechanical breakdowns or a time of Where the sun in your chart acts, the ability and your awareness. It represents flux. This “backward” motion occurs moon in your chart reacts. It takes about knowledge, information, your nervous three to four times a year. But I don’t two and a half days for the moon to system and shows where and how you believe it is something to be feared. A change zodiac signs. The moon governs best communicate. Mercury takes about Mercury retrograde period can be an the sign of Cancer, characterised by two weeks to change signs but goes advantageous time to re-focus on our sensitivity – Cancers tend to be loyal retrograde three to four times a year. plans, thoughts and self-expression. It’s souls, with a nurturing nature. Both the quick-witted, loquacious a good occasion to consider what New moon needs reworking, re-creating New moons are like new year resolutions. or improving in our lives. We get a chance to start again! When Use the retrograde we have a new moon (once a month), it cycle to release signals beginnings and is the go-ahead what’s no longer for us to implement our plans, projects, valid and open dreams and to manifest the things we instead to new want for our future. It is an auspicious possibilities. time for initiating events. Where the As for the new moon is moving through your usual astrology chart gives us a great deal of information on how it will affect keeplookingup.co.nz you. There is a different sign each month for each new moon, offering us insight into how we can best use the new moon energy. The next new moons to work with are 12 April and 12 May in New Zealand. There are loads of suggestions for performing new moon rituals to help you focus on your goals – Google “Oprah Daily new moon rituals” for an extensive list. Full moon Astrologically, the sun and the moon are in opposition on a full moon. Around the full moon (occurring once a month), things tend to come to a head. Full moons are times of culmination. Things are somewhat emotional, there are deep feelings and restlessness. Anytime we come into the full moon, that is your celestial signal to release what no longer is supportive, helpful or desirable for you to move forward. It’s a good time to weed out, let go and release negative energy. Each month the full moon is in a different sign, which gives us different energies to work with. The AstroTwins have loads more advice at astrostyle.com/new-full- moon-rituals. 44
retrograde reminders: be prudent when optimism, growth and prosperity. It rules futuristic, the unexpected, disruptions, WELLBEING it comes to agreements, contracts, areas of expansion in our lives and our out-of-the-box thinking and new negotiations, travel arrangements and aspirations, philosophy, religion and discoveries. Where Uranus is in your chart your interactions. Change is in the air, so higher-minded awareness. In our charts shows us where you might have unique allow extra time, double-check details, be it can indicate where we can find talents or abilities. A strong Uranus in a patient and most of all, be kind to yourself enrichment, luck, good fortune and chart can also indicate someone who is and others and keep harmonious feeling growth. In general it can represent ease, eccentric or is a nonconformist or likes to flowing forward! sometimes indulgence or laziness, but do things for shock value. Uranus takes mostly the appreciation of joy and about seven years to move through each Venus plenty in our life! Jupiter takes about 12 sign and goes retrograde every year for Venus rules love, pleasure, creative to 13 months to change signs and goes around 150 days. Aquarius is the expression, our values and relationships. retrograde each year for about 120 days. individualistic sign connected to Uranus. We look to Venus in our charts to Jupiter governs the freedom-loving, understand how we view intimacy and our truth-seeking sign of Sagittarius. Neptune attachment to others. From the position of Neptune is the planet representing our our Venus, we can learn about how, who Saturn dreams, intuition and mysticism. It also and why we love. It is our social urge, all Saturn is a somewhat serious planet. It rules spiritual enlightenment, creative and things regarding art, beauty, charm and rules hard work, discipline, responsibility artistic inspirations and our imaginations. how we attract others. It can show where and sometimes challenges. It lets us Neptune can also show areas of our lives there is harmony, appreciation, joy and know where there may be restrictions, where deception, disillusionment or bounty in our lives. It can also represent limitations or a need for more patience apathy can occur. It’s mysterious, has finances. The cycle of Venus is four to five and resilience. But although Saturn difficulty distinguishing between fantasy weeks to change signs and Venus goes usually gets a bad rap, it is an important and reality and can express itself in vague retrograde every 18 months. Both stable, planet, as it can represent our ambitions or “otherworldly” ways. Neptune sensualist Taurus and beauty-loving, and efforts paying off. It seeks stability, epitomises poets, painters, musicians and charmer Libra are ruled by Venus. structure and security – it wants to do dreamers and their escapist tendencies. It things by the book, be detailed, has an affinity for nature, holistic pursuits, Mars punctual and conscientious. It can be the sea and secrets. Neptune takes about Mars represents energy, action, desire – it the teacher, the authority figure. Where 14 years to move through each sign and is the warrior planet! It shows how we Saturn is in our chart can show where goes retrograde every year for around 150 express anger and aggression, our our ambition lies and how we can days. Pisces is the imaginative, creative survival instinct and our vitality. Where it triumph over challenges. Saturn takes sign connected with Neptune. is located in our chart tells us about our approximately two and a half years to drive, the assertion of our will, force, power move through each sign. It goes Pluto and competitive edge. It highlights where retrograde each year for about 140 Pluto, our outermost planet, takes 14-30 we direct our energies and how we days. Saturn governs the wise and years to move through each sign and express our temperament. Named after responsible sign of Capricorn. goes retrograde each year for about 185 the Roman god of war, Mars symbolises days. Pluto is all about transformation. It is the get-going, get-it-done, get-ahead Uranus the phoenix rising from the ashes! Pluto focus in our lives. Mars takes six to seven Uranus is a quirky planet. It’s tilted so represents metamorphosis, rebirth, major weeks to change signs and retrogrades far on its axis that it basically orbits the shifts. Pluto is a very powerful part of our every two years. It governs the fiery, sun on its side! It represents the charts and represents issues of power, go-getting sign of Aries. bohemian side of ourselves – it rules control, destruction in order to create and rebellion, innovation, dynamic change regeneration. It’s aligned with the intense Jupiter and doing things in its own time and in and mysterious sign of Scorpio, which Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar its own way. It also symbolises reminds us that to bring about change, we system, represents benevolence, technology, all things progressive and must let go of the past. g “[The planets] give worlds of information about our true calling, how we can get the most out of life, how we can understand ourselves better and how we can manoeuvre around difficulties and emerge stronger for it.” GiGi Sosnoski 45
How to make your pets happier Dog and cat behaviour experts share how to look after your pets and how to tell when they’re happy. Words Carolyn Enting Happiness is what most people new pet into their lives. The trend knowledge before getting a dog, it is want for their pets but often followed in New Zealand. In December also preventable. what we think is best does 2021, lockdown puppies and dogs were more harm than good. being abandoned in record numbers, Common mistakes people make that If your dog is happy, it’s relaxed and prompting dog rescuers to urge people contribute to a dog’s unhappiness are calm, says Selina McIntrye. She’s speaking to think twice about getting a pet. not socialising them during the critical from experience, as she runs a dog socialisation period, choosing an animal behavioural consultancy and dog training Chained Dog Rehabilitation and that doesn’t suit their lifestyle and business, Dogs Best Friend, in Waikato Rehoming in Auckland had 50 people fill therefore not providing enough mental or where she lives with her family – her out a lengthy application for their dog’s physical exercise and babying their dogs. husband, two kids and two border terriers, rehoming – and that number doesn’t Trev and Lily, as well as a mostly tolerant include the many more who emailed or Selina McIntyre’s guide black-and-white moggy, Isobelle. messaged but couldn’t be bothered with for a happy dog She’s also the author of Big Dog, the form. Usually, it receives 10 to 15 Small Dog: Make Your Dog Happier applications at this time of year. One of the Don’t buy on a whim by Being Understood. reasons cited for rehoming was that most You’d be surprised by the number of An animal lover, she started out of the dogs had some form of lockdown people that fall in love with a dog at the working with cats as a teen – lions, in behavioural issue that people couldn’t pet store and take it home the same particular, at a local wildlife park – but be bothered with, founder Amanda Fraser- day, even though they hadn’t planned decided to make her career working with Jones told Stuff. This included separation on buying a pet. dogs because it was an area where she felt anxiety, which presents through various she could do the most good. Subsequently, destructive behaviours like digging, Talk to your vet or someone like me she’s worked with thousands of dogs. destroying stuff and pining when left before getting a dog. Research the best “So many people have dogs but at home alone. breed/breed mix that will suit your lifestyle, are not doing things the right way,” including what’s actually required for McIntrye explains. “There’s a real lack Generally, dogs were overjoyed to have exercise and mental stimulation for that of knowledge around dogs and it’s so their owners home during lockdown, unlike animal. Obtaining knowledge about the easy to own a creature and be in charge some cats, who wished you’d just go back critical socialisation period is vital also. of their wellbeing. Before you get a dog to the office, according to an Australian you should be getting as much knowledge survey. When everyone started going back What to consider before getting a pet as possible so that right from the get go, to work, cats were relieved, while many Firstly, take a good look at whether the you’re starting off on the right foot.” dogs were losing it. great majority of the time, you can fulfil Over the course of the pandemic, 3.2 your dog’s mental as well as physical million homes across the UK welcomed a There’s no overnight fix for separation needs, actively working on enrichment anxiety but this is where McIntyre can and exercise. help. Dogs can be trained out of it, and if owners are armed with the right As well and as part of this, consider the cost involved in the care of the animal. 46
47 WELLBEING
“ Dogs do the vast majority o f their communication with their bodies – their tail, body and ear movements.” Selina McIntyre This may involve the use of a boarding Overcoming separation anxiety with a blanket, or an igloo-type bed. Don’t kennel or doggy day care. A doggy day Give your dog a longer-lasting enrichment have a crate that’s too big otherwise that care is particularly beneficial for a solo treat – say a stuffed and frozen Kong toy defeats the purpose. When it’s too big dog, to help with his or her social needs. (then it’s like an ice block and it takes an area, they’re more likely to be anxious And, will you be able to keep and provide them a lot longer to get the meat out). because you’ve given them a bigger area for your pet for their lifetime (14 years that they have to patrol and protect. on average)? Don’t make a big deal of your arrival or departure. Keep it low-key. You don’t Play relaxing doggy music. Download Separation anxiety want your dog to be over-excited about the soundtrack “Through a Dog’s Ear”, If your dog whines when you leave the your return. Pent-up energy has been classical music developed by scientists house or room, the first thing you should linked to tension and anxiety. Ensure your that has had the high and low frequencies do is a vet check to rule out any medical dog’s mental and physical needs removed. It has shown great calming issue. After this, your social dynamic will are always being met but particularly results in studies. have to be looked at, perhaps “reversing address this before going out. your roles” within the pack – so as to Introduce periods of separation, slowly. relieve your dog of the burden of Make things unpredictable. Put on Increase the distance and/or time of your responsibility for you (their “baby”). your shoes and pick up your keys but separation. It’s important to start out hang out the washing for example. slowly. Fifteen minutes is very different People often say to me that their dog is to one hour! “missing mummy or daddy” but an easier Anxiety aides way to think about it is the dog is missing Use an anxiety wrap. A cloth vest acts like Dogs are body language masters his or her babies and that blows people’s swaddling and mimics a hug by activating Dogs do the vast majority of their minds. Your dog is worrying about you acupressure points that help the body communication with their bodies – when you go because they are literally produce the feel-good happy hormone their tail, body and ear movements. pining for a lower-ranking pack member serotonin. It doesn’t look like much, but I Vocalisation is very much a minor form of (you). Their baby’s gone off, they don’t recommend them to clients because I’ve communication for them. With this, dogs know when you’re coming home and had a lot of success with them. In summer then have a heightened ability to read they’re anxious from that perspective. you can soak it in water, so that it is also the body language of others – including cooling for your dog. ourselves. For instance – dogs look at how happy we are by looking at our face Create a doggy den. Use a crate to and body actions. Everything is looked at create a small, cosy den by covering it for a consistent message. Praise words need to come with a pleased expression.
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