Hauora: Taha Hinengaro

Taha Hinengaro

The second dimension of Hauora; translated as psychological wellbeing in English.

What is Taha Hinengaro?

Taha Hinengaro is one of the four dimensions in the Maori philosophy of Hauora. In English, it translates to psychological wellbeing. An individual in a bad mental state, i.e not depressed/suicidal, psychotic, schizophrenic, etc, would not have a balanced Taha Hinengaro, as they lack a good psychological wellbeing or state of mind. An individual who is happy, social, extroverted, and in a good mental state, would have a balanced Taha Hinengaro. 

What can I do to have a balanced Taha Hinengaro?

To have a balanced Taha Hinengaro, you will require a good mental state of mind and health.

To maintain good mental health, your body will require...

 - A good sleep cycle. Make sure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night, and nap if you are tired. If you are sleep deprived, you are more likely to overreact, become angry, and concentrate less at work or school. It is also likely you will be fatigued during the day. 

- To exercise frequently. Not only is exercising very beneficial to the body, it also makes you happier. Aim for at least one hour of physical activity per day. You can do things such as going for short walks, jogging or running, participating in sports and fitness. 

- A healthy diet. Eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are prone to make you happier and less tired or hungry. Living on a diet of sugary, fatty foods is bad for your body and may make you gain weight. 

- To spend time with your whanau and friends. Hang out with your friends at school and sit down with your family at night. Make sure you get out of your bedroom and socialize at least three times a day. Being isolated can lead to feeling lonely, depressed, and sad, which are all signs of an unbalanced Taha Hinengaro!

Above is my digital learning object (DLO) based on Taha Hinengaro that I created in Google Drawing. Who in this drawing do you think has a balanced Taha Hinengaro? The isolated person, alone on his laptop underneath a blanket on the right, or the people talking with each other happily on the left?
I believe my DLO demonstrates that having social connections with people everyday contributes to having a balanced Taha Hinengaro.

How is having a balanced Taha Hinengaro demonstrated in real life?
At work and at school, people work in groups everyday. People who have a balanced Taha Hinengaro, and spend time with others instead of being alone, are much more likely to work well in group settings, because they are around people more and know how to act. This is not only demonstrated in groups, but in lots of different social situations, such as being in a classroom with other students. An unbalanced Taha Hinengaro, for example being sad or sleep deprived, can effect your learning, as concentration levels are low. 
People with a balanced Taha Hinengaro work better in groups and are more likely to do well at school, as they are more alert and concentrated!