WoW Newsletter: October 2021

Welcome to the Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) – a simple framework designed to improve people’s 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 wellbeing 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!

We absolutely love this version of the Wheel of Wellbeing produced by the very talented artist Samantha Hill for the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at the University of Wollongong. To celebrate World Mental Health Day this month we are featuring these beautiful WoW icons and a range of other resources you can use when planning wellbeing activities.

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.

1st October – World Smile Day

Photo by Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash

Did you know that when you smile endorphins are released? These neurotransmitters create feelings of pleasure and because smiling is contagious you can easily share the feeling around! The lovely people at World Smile Day are encouraging all of us ‘do an act of kindness’ and help one person smile. You can even sign up to be a World Smile Day Ambassador. So go on – see how many people you can make smile on 1^st October.

4th October – World Habitat Day

Cities are responsible for 70 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions. With cities and towns projected to add a further 2.5 billion people in the next 30 years, World Habitat Day is accelerating urban action for a carbon free world with the Global Race to Zero Campaign and the UN-Habitat’s Climate Action4Cities. These exciting initiatives aim to supercharge ideas to solutions and take action in cities and communities to win the race of climate action.

10th October – World Mental Health Day

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10^th October every year. This year’s theme is set by the World Federation for Mental Health and is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Check out the websites at the end of this newsletter for a brilliant array of ideas, activities and resources to help celebrate World Mental Health Day.

16th October – World Food
Day

Photo by ja ma on Unsplash

The food we choose and the way we consume it affects our health and the health of our planet. What we eat has a big impact on our brain, how well it
functions and ultimately how we feel. But did you know that almost 40% of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet? The way we produce, consume and, sadly, waste food also exacts a heavy toll on our planet, putting unnecessary pressure on natural resources, the environment and climate. In this time of COVID-19, many more people are unable to afford or access nutritious foods, often resorting to cheaper, readily available ones. So why not use World Food Day to highlight the importance of eating well and sustainably?

31st October – World Cities Day

World Cities Day represents the culmination of the month-long celebration of Urban October. The theme is adapting cities for climate resilience. This UN event toolkit provides great ideas for raising awareness about how cities can play an important role in caring for our planet.

Watch and Listen

Be inspired by this 5-minute video featuring WoW practitioners speaking about how they have been using WoW approaches and resources to promote wellbeing in their communities, schools and workplaces.

Featured WoW Activity

Smart Planner

A great new WoW resource designed by Denise Svane, a WoW practitioner from Townsville. The SMART planner is a simple and effective way to think about and plan steps to build mental wellbeing and resilience.

Great Articles and Websites

Queensland Mental Health Commission Mental Health Week
Find out about mental health week resources and events in Queensland

‘Dear Mind’ is a mental wellbeing campaign with inspiring information, ideas and resources for good mental health

My Amazing Body: Mental Health and Wellbeing
A wonderful series of podcasts exploring interesting and unknown parts of the body, including five that focus on mental health

  Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. A great site for ideas and inspiration

  The Mental Health Foundation
Why not download world mental health day posters and social media graphics from the mental health foundation website and spread the word

  Wheel of Wellbeing
And not forgetting the wheel of wellbeing website with downloadable tips, ideas and resources to promote good mental health

I’m FREE!

Please feel free to use all or parts of this newsletter for your websites, blog, social media, newsletter or other communications to inspire your group members

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 as to 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.