Look after your wellbeing

Extra support   

If you need some extra support during your studies, you can access free counselling sessions. Australian Counselling Service (ACS) can deliver free online counselling sessions from anywhere in New Zealand. 

ACS (Australian Counselling Service) provides counselling support for a range of concerns including stress, relationships, managing your studies and everyday worries. ACS is the clinical counselling division of the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC).

ACS's mission is to make quality mental health care services available to everyone. 

For more information about how they can support you, go to: acscounselling.com.au

Book your online session now by registering at: acscounselling.com.au/registration/nzma 
or emailing: info@acscounselling.com.au 
 

Managing your screen time when you are studying online, and reducing eye strain is essential for maintaining eye health and overall well-being, especially when spending extended periods in front of digital screens (computers, phones, television etc). 

Here are some helpful tips to help you manage your screen time:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule
   To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus on something at least 6 meters away. This quick break gives your eyes a chance to relax and reduces the risk of developing digital eye strain.
2. Adjust your screen settings: make sure your screen settings are comfortable for your eyes
   Brightness and Contrast: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings to suit your environment. Avoid screens that are too bright or too dim.
3. Think about your text size and font choice
   Make things bigger! Increase the text size and choose easy-to-read fonts to reduce the need for squinting or hunching forward to read from your screen. 
4. Use a blue light filter
   Many devices offer blue light filters or night mode settings that reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. Using these features, especially in the evening, can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
5. Look at your screen angle and position
   Ensure your screen at eye level and ensure it is at a comfortable distance from your eyes (typically about 50-60 cm away). The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level.
6. Blink regularly
   Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces dryness and discomfort, especially during long periods of screen use. Consider using lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to keep your eyes moist if they become dry and uncomfortable.
7. Adjust your room lighting
   Ensure that your workspace is well-lit but avoid glare on the screen. Use indirect or adjustable lighting to reduce reflections on the screen.

Throughout your learning and your career, it's important to look after your health in all aspects of your life.

Te Whare Tapa Whā — The Four Pillars of Hauora

Te Whare Tapa Whā, a model to address our health and well-being (hauora), has been developed over the last 50 years into a framework that we can all use to ensure we’re giving ourselves a physical and mental checkup into all the parts of our lives that may need attention.

Image source: https://www.allright.org.nz/articles/spirituality-and-awe | ourhauora.nz/blog/te-whare-tapa-wha 

You may like to use this time, before your programme starts, to get to know the Te Whare Tapa Whā model and tidy up your headspace, your physical space, your connection with family and community, your connection to your land and history, and your inner-dialogue or spiritual connections. 

Success Story: Aleisha

Aleisha says joining NZIS has given her the boost of confidence and direction in life she needed to open doors. After completing four diplomas at NZIS, she now hopes to work within Sports Marketing, Event Management or continue with Coaching.

“I was really uncertain as to what I was going to do with my life. I’d moved countries, and hadn’t met many friends and felt really unmotivated. As I love sport and anything to do with sport, a friend told me about NZIS, and I thought I should give it a shot. It was the best thing I have done...”

Reach out to community support

There are people you can talk to right now, click the links below to access support.