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When life is uncertain and feels overwhelming, as it is for so many people at the moment, reaching out to get support can be vital.
That’s the message from Tania Rupapera, who has been a lifestyle and entrepreneurship coach for 22 years. Since the onset of Covid-19, demand for her Matakana-based service has “gone through the roof”, with many of her recent clients returning to her for help in dealing with challenges thrown up by the pandemic.
“People at the moment are dealing with anything from depression to anxiety, and it’s important that they don’t sit at home worrying about things, but find someone they can talk to objectively and find a support strategy,” she says.
Tania says being stuck at home, unhealthy and stressed, can take a huge toll on people and their families.
“People get into an overwhelmed space and forget to connect with what’s important to them. Everybody’s got a story, everybody’s disconnected from their whanau, or their business is under-performing, their debts rising, but it’s important to look for strategies on how to cope with this.”
She says there is a huge amount of support available now, even for people on the tightest of budgets, from government agencies and community services to professional and business associations.
“You have to weigh up what’s important and pick up the phone, because there’s so much support out there. When you do make that first call and break through that space, it opens everything up and you realise you’re not alone, which will make you feel so much better.”
Tania believes it’s also important to remember that the current situation is not forever.
“This is a chapter, not the book,” she says. “If you’re waking up feeling grumpy, get out of the house, go to the beach. Just go and do something, put your bare feet on the grass.
“Connectivity is so important for wellbeing. Just reaching out and talking, connecting with yourself and others, feeling good – it’s a big part of wellness for you and your whanau.”
