WoW Newsletter: April 2022

Welcome to the Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) — a simple framework designed to improve health, happiness and wellbeing by focusing on six areas — Body, Mind, Spirit, People, Place and Planet. This monthly newsletter provides a roundup of the latest tips, activities, research and resources to inspire better health and wellbeing. Tap into them — for yourself, your families, workplaces, schools and communities — and help create a happier world for us all!

Are we able to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all? Where economies are focused on health and wellbeing? Where cities are liveable, and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?

This month’s newsletter focuses on the link between the health of our planet and the people who inhabit it, and how small actions can make a big difference.

WoW Days of the month

Why not use these inspiring international days to create a focal point for wellbeing activities in your school, workplace or community?

7th April – World Health Day – Our Planet Our Health

The theme of World Health Day 2022 is ‘Our Planet Our Health’. This World Health Organisation campaign aims to focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing.  Check out these suggestions for governments, health services, organisations and individuals and find out what you can do to help protect our planet and our health.

15th April – Micro Volunteering Day

Micro volunteering is a simple concept – individuals take convenient, bite-sized actions, in support of a good cause. This can be anything from writing a letter to an elderly hospital patient or tagging internet photos to help the visually impaired. Micro Volunteering Day aims to raise awareness of this kind of short, easy, active citizenship and encourage people to get on and get involved.
What micro actions could you take for the planet?

22nd April – International Mother Earth Day

Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people. The Earth Day 2022 theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’. So Earthday.org is calling on us all to act (boldly), innovate (broadly) and implement (equitably): “as individuals, we have the simple yet effective power to make our voices heard through our choices, our civic actions, and our personal interactions. What each of us does, and how we do it, has a huge ripple effect on our ecosystems, and on the pace of corporate and government action.”

So why not download one of the Earth Day toolkits to inspire action on the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

Watch this: The Man who Planted a Forest

The incredible story of a man who decided to plant tree every day, a small action that literally grew and grew!

WoW Spotlight

Men’s Sheds WoW Goondwindi State Primary School

“A society grows great when old men plant trees, whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” (Ancient Greek Proverb)

Last year, inspired by the planet section of the Wheel of Wellbeing, Gundy’s Men’s Shed teamed up with students from the Goondwindi State Primary school for Schools Tree Day. Thirty children and twenty ‘Sheders’ worked together to plant over eighty native trees and shrubs. The result was both inspiring and heart-warming as the wisdom of age came together with the exuberance of youth to care for our planet. The Sheders may not get to sit in the shade of the trees they planted but maybe they now know some young people who will.

This year Men’s Shed Australia are aiming as many sheds as possible to participate in the national event.

Great Articles & Websites

The Happy Planet Index
So which countries are the most effective at supporting sustainable happiness? Why not log on to the new, updated Happy Planet Index and find out why Costa Rica is consistently near the top for wellbeing with a low carbon footprint. Where is your country in the index?

The World Happiness Report
The World Happiness Report 2022 reveals a bright light in dark times. The pandemic brought not only pain and suffering but also an increase in social support and benevolence. As we battle the ills of disease and war, it is essential to remember the universal desire for happiness and the capacity of individuals to rally to each other’s support in times of great need.

Why Forest Bathing is Good for Your Health
Though any kind of nature can enhance our health and happiness this article sets out the case that there’s something special about being in a forest.

Why Eating Less Meat is Good for the Planet and People
A fascinating article from the World Economic Forum about how making small changes to our diet can help address climate change and improve wellbeing.

The Woodland Trust
Inspired by the Forest man of India, and thinking of planting a tree? Then this is the site for you.

The World Wildlife Fund WWF
Go online and calculate your carbon footprint and see where you can make a difference.

The NHS Forest Website
Nature is fundamental to how we address health. A huge body of evidence suggests that people who live in greener environments tend to be healthier and that access to green space can reduce the impact of income-related health inequalities. Explore some of the evidence here.

Need help?

Concerned about the health and safety of yourself, family or friends?

If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. You can get the latest updates here: government advice on Coronavirus
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis: Lifeline Australia or phone 13 11 14
visit Beyond Blue to access their Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

Financial difficulties?

Click here for information on the government’s latest coronavirus financial support.

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Certain links in this newsletter lead to websites which are not under the control of Implemental Worldwide CIC. Implemental Worldwide CIC has no control over and accepts no liability in respect of materials, products or services available on any website which is not under the control of Implemental Worldwide CIC. Any opinions expressed in these external links and materials do not necessarily reflect the view of Implemental Worldwide CIC. Some of these links may request additional information and it is at your sole discretion if you wish to provide this. Any advertisements or promotional material contained in the links to websites and other materials, are not endorsed by Implemental Worldwide CIC and Implemental Worldwide CIC makes no commercial gains through these links.

Supported by the Queensland Mental Health Commission.

WoW Newsletter: April 2022