AIA Vitality Ambassador Dame Valerie Adams shares her tips on how to kick into a new gear and start thriving in 2023.
A thriving you
- Acknowledge when your tank is low
As a mum of two young kids, I know that I am always on the move; if one thing is going smoothly, there’s bound to be another thing about to crash. Consequently, I would often find myself stuck on auto pilot, putting out one fire after another. Now I’ve learned to not overwhelm myself and cloud my mind. I take a moment to write down everything, give myself a second to refocus and gradually work my way through the list, one item at a time.
- Book in time out, out of the house
Being a mum – and a working mum at that – quality time away is really important for me. I take days off and plan to spend them at home, but more often than not, something pops up and I’m stuck working from home instead. So this summer it was crucial for me to physically take myself and my family out of a working environment to properly embrace a holiday. My trick is to pre-book, plan and pay for a holiday that fits into everyone’s schedule, so you are basically forced to go through with it and leave all the guilt behind. And it doesn’t have to cost the earth – a night away at a camping ground with a borrowed tent can be all you need to switch off and focus on creating family memories.
- Take on challenges and push yourself
I’ve mentioned this before and will continue to as it has stuck with me through the years: we have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. There is no room for us to thrive when we confine ourselves to our comfort zones. Thriving is about growing and continuing to develop as a person. After announcing my retirement, I was offered a Director position at High Performance Sport New Zealand. I knew I had to take it, despite my reservations. This position was so beyond my comfort zone of training and performing athletically, but I knew it would challenge me in ways I needed. I’ve swapped my activewear for a shirt at board meetings, and I’m really enjoying it!
Helping your family to thrive
- Roll with the punches
No two days are the same and they never will be. We will always be presented with new problems, but our lives don’t stop. With my little girl starting school this year, I am learning to take everything as it comes. In the first three weeks that school was open this year, most kids were only in attendance for a few days. Yet, young Kimoana was still excited to pack her lunch, wear her new uniform and walk to school. I try to take her excitement and make it my own, joining her in these activities and getting my steps up.
- Find what they love
Keeping a child’s interest is a fragile thing; with the snap of your fingers you can lose it. So when they’re excited about something, it’s important to make the most of it and do so organically. For us, it’s the water - our kids adore getting to swim in the pool every day after school. We like to implement this routine as naturally as we can, so the kids don’t feel compelled to do anything and are excited to take part.
- Lead by example
My kids will join in if they see me working out – they just want to do what mum’s doing. For me, it’s important for my family to keep a routine that is healthy for them, and the best way to achieve that is by setting an example. Even at their young ages, the kids know their technological boundaries (as we only allow device time on weekends). We come up with plenty of non-screen options to keep them busy!
Easing stress in a challenging economy
- Live within your means
Economically it is a difficult time for many New Zealanders. Inflation rates, natural disasters, cost of living and recovering from the pandemic have left some struggling to make ends meet. We didn’t have a lot when I was growing up and it was hard to see family members spend money on things that weren’t necessities. My tip is to stop and think about what you’re spending money on, and if it could be better put towards something you need more.
- Research, research, research
I frequently find myself researching cheap and easy recipes for dinner. There are plenty of affordable and healthy recipes you can cook for and with your family by taking the time to search online.
- Help your community (if you’re fortunate enough to be able to)
Some Kiwis have come out of the recent extreme weather luckier than others. Being a part of a community means being there for each other during the good times and bad, so after the flooding in Auckland I knew I had to play my part in helping out. I gathered all my spare blankets, cushions, and other needed items and donated it to those who needed it more. Coming from South Auckland, it was hard to see my community impacted so heavily. And, for those that can afford to, donations are greatly needed for those communities hardest hit by Cyclone Gabrielle – the Red Cross disaster fund is a good place to start.
We’re all a work in progress when it comes to learning to thrive, and I’m no exception. Here are a few simple things that will help me thrive in 2023:
- Getting my kids to eat more vegetables. Winning for me this week was the kids loving my homemade burgers, without noticing the hidden veges!
- Continuing to make time for me, and leaving the mum guilt behind.
- Letting some things go and not feeling like I have to do all the things, all the time.
What small steps will you take to start thriving in 2023?
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