We're nearly over the midweek hump and are inching closer to the weekend. Today is the perfect opportunity to give yourself a refreshing boost by engaging in some physical activity. Wi tēnei rangi to get the blood flowing through your tinana/body?

Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood and increase feelings of happiness. It reduces stress and anxiety levels, promotes relaxation and enhances overall mental resilience. It can even sharpen our thinking and boost our creativity.

Being active doesn’t always mean high-intensity cardio workouts, there are lots of ways you can move your tinana to uplift your mood, reduce stress, and feel a sense of achievement. Choose to do something that is purely for feeling good or having fun, and dedicate it to your wellbeing.

A few ideas hei āwhina/to help you be active:

• Get into the great outdoors - go for a hīkoi in the bush, breathe in the fresh air of the moana/ocean or walk up your local maunga/mountain.
• Have an impromptu kanikani/dance party with your whānau, flatmates or pets. Play your favourite tunes, sing as loud as you can, and get your body moving.
• Hīkoi/walk, oma/run or cycle to mahi or kura today. Try parking a little further away from the tari/office or get off the pahi/bus a stop early and hīkoi the rest of the way.
• Instead of having hui in the tari, get some fresh air and go for a walking meeting outside. On your way back into the office, increase your step count by taking the arapiki/stairs instead of the lift.
• Get your māra/garden ready for raumati/summer. Pulling some weeds or planting something new will help you work up a sweat.
• Grab your mates and organise a friendly sports match at a local park. Not only will you get a good workout, you’ll be able to have fun and connect with your friends too – bonus!
• Get your heart rate up by learning a TikTok dance, or try a new YouTube workout.
• Encourage tamariki to get outside and move their bodies with the Sparklers Nature Moves and Curious Kea Scavenger Hunt activities.