Kia ora everyone,

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter break. Hopefully you gave yourself a little treat – whether it was chocolate, a hot cross bun, a nice drink, or something else.

One subject that comes up a lot is how to keep doing things we enjoy even if we might not have as much energy. There are lot of low-energy crafts and activities out there (try Wikipedia or Google if you would like inspiration) and many activities can be adjusted to lower energy levels.

For example, instead of painting on an easel, consider painting Christmas cards or other small paintings. Alternatively, if the problem is not physical energy but brain fog, colour by numbers or gem paintings can work well. If reading is difficult, try audio books or try reading Young Adult or children’s – there are some really good books out there that adults can still enjoy. If you loved hiking, a picnic can still get you close to nature.

Discovering new and unusual crafts is another fun side effect! If you are struggling with activities, you might try working on mindfulness with a cup of tea, or focusing on your favourite foods. Whatever it is, remember to give yourself time to do something that brings enjoyment, without guilt.

– Marika and Tania