Youth Voice – The four pillars of health

The start of a new year is a perfect time to take a quick check-in and see how things are going at home, both literally and metaphorically. One great way to do this is by using the Māori health Te Whare Tapa Whā model, ahouse with four walls, each one representing a key pillar of wellbeing. This model is awesome for checking in on our lives and making sure all our “pillars” are standing strong.

Family and social wellbeing – Relationships are everything. This pillar is about nurturing our connections with family, friends, and the wider community. Gen Z particularly yearns for deep, authentic, and meaningful relationships. As life changes (like moving from school to uni or starting a new job), relationships evolve too. Sometimes we lose touch with people, but we also meet amazing new ones. What really matters is the quality of those relationships, not the quantity. We can invest in the people who lift us up, and make sure we’re doing the same for them.

Mental and emotional wellbeing – This one’s all about how we look after our minds, hearts, and emotions. We all go through tough stuff, and finding people we can talk to about our challenges can seriously change the game. You’ve probably heard the classic saying: “A problem shared is a problem halved.” But it’s not just about sharing the tough stuff, it’s also about soaking in the good stuff. Think of those little moments that bring a smile: a heart-to-heart with a friend, a peaceful walk by the beach, getting a lift from your favourite song, or enjoying a tasty meal. Those moments of joy matter and taking a second to appreciate them can make a big difference.

Physical wellbeing – We all know how important it is to look after our bodies! Staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep are all part of the deal, but it can be easier said than done. For me, Instagram is a double-edged sword, I’ll be scrolling, and then I’ll see someone’s post about their workout, and suddenly I’m grabbing my sneakers and hitting the pavement for a run! It’s all about those little reminders to keep our body feeling good and staying motivated.

Spiritual wellbeing – Attitudes towards spirituality differ across the generations. However, did you know that 62 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say they’re ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ spiritual? That’s according to a recent Times article from the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, society is not as disinterested in faith and spirituality as we might think, according to the 2023 Faith and Belief Study. It seems more young people are turning to faith as a solid base for life. As a pastor for young adults, I see first-hand how faith brings peace and purpose, through knowing God, and sharing life in community. Let’s face it, there are questions in life that ChatGPT and Google can’t answer. So, making time for our spiritual health and reflecting on our beliefs and values is key to building a strong foundation for life.

When all four pillars are in balance, we’re thriving. But when one of them is off-kilter, it can affect the rest of our wellbeing. So let’s take a moment to check in with each pillar, and make sure we’ve got the good foundations in place for the journey of 2025!