Be Active: How to Boost Your Mental Health and Productivity

Wednesday 'Be Active' by Trevor Romain
Finding time for physical activity often has to take a backseat. We get tied up in navigating careers, business ventures, family, and the pursuit of our passions. It’s crucial to recognise the impact that staying active has on our mental well-being. It affects our work performance and quality of life.

The Midweek Refresh
Some call it “Hump Day”, but let’s seize the opportunity that Wednesday presents. Rebrand it “Be Active Day”, a perfect reminder to invigorate both body and mind. Of course engaging in physical activity promotes a healthier body. It also serves as a powerful tool to nurture our mental and emotional health. Continue reading “Be Active: How to Boost Your Mental Health and Productivity”

Give: The Power of Kindness: A Path to Fulfilment

Tuesday: 'Give' by Trevor Romain

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Today’s theme is about giving. We like to receive gifts – how do we make that part of our every day approach to mental health awareness?

Our day-to day lives are hustle, bustle, and competition. We are so busy coming first that we sometimes forget the profound impact of a simple act of kindness. Sharing kindness does more than brighten the lives of others. It enhances our own well-being and mental health. Kindness adds a welcome polish to the success in our careers and personal lives.

Acts of kindness can be as simple as sharing a warm smile with a stranger. Or as heartfelt as dedicating our time to help a friend, family member, or colleague. The beauty of kindness lies in its ability to create a positive ripple effect. The effect extends far beyond the immediate moment of giving. Continue reading “Give: The Power of Kindness: A Path to Fulfilment”

Take Notice: Balancing Work, Life, and Mental Well-Being

Monday: Take Notice by Trevor Romain

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand. I think we might be the only country in the world that makes a kind of national festival raising awareness of mental health. Mental health issues are reaching crisis levels around the globe. Is there anything we can do to protect our loved ones and ourselves? What can we do about caring for our mental health?

Our careers and businesses demand our constant attention. It’s easy to become caught up in the relentless pursuit of success. The pressure to excel in both our professional and personal lives can take a toll on mental health. If you recognise this in yourself there’s some things you can do to help.

There’s a valuable lesson in mindfulness practices: the importance of taking notice. Continue reading “Take Notice: Balancing Work, Life, and Mental Well-Being”

Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources

Creativity for Small Businesses
If you are a small business owner, you know how challenging it can be. Trying to fit into a community while standing out from the crowd. And always, with an eye on attracting more customers. You’ll know how important it is to manage your time, money, and energy. And all the while, balancing your personal and professional life. How can you do all that and still be creative?

That’s the wrong way of thinking. You need creativity in abundance to do all that.

Creativity isn’t a talent that some people have and others don’t. It is a skill that you can learn and practice, and it can help you grow your small business in many ways. Here are some benefits of creativity for small businesses: Continue reading “Small Business Creativity: Thriving on Limited Resources”

Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life

We all want to live our best lives, but it’s not always easy to know how to get there. The days seem to blast past at a dizzying pace, leaving us little time for finding meaning, fulfilment, and purpose.

For creative professionals, the ‘living your best life’ mantra takes on a unique dimension. Living your best life doesn’t just mean indulging in luxury or adventure – it’s about nurturing your creativity while undertaking your unique journey. Here’s how you can infuse this mantra into your creative practice: Continue reading “Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life”

Gratitude, kindness, creativity

The pursuit of artistic mastery is often intertwined with the quest for personal growth and fulfilment. Amid the whirlwind of creative endeavours, a powerful practice emerges that not only enriches your creative process but also feeds your soul: the act of doing good for others.

Picture this: you’re deeply immersed in your creative work, pouring your heart and soul into every stroke, note, or word. It’s a process that demands your energy and focus, but it’s also the very essence of your being. In the midst of this intense journey, the idea of diverting your attention to help others might seem counterintuitive. Yet, therein lies the magic. Continue reading “Gratitude, kindness, creativity”

Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences


Dear Creative Souls,

Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and for us, the artists, creators, and visionaries, it can be especially tumultuous. We know all too well the weight of past bad experiences that can cast a shadow over our creativity. Whether it’s emotionally destructive employment situations, challenging clients, or loss-making contracts, these experiences can dim our creative light. It can feel like a lonely world, and frankly, it sucks.

I don’t mean it to sound cliché, but in the midst of darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope. As creative beings, we possess an innate resilience that allows us to rise above adversity and find inspiration even in the most challenging circumstances. Here are some empowering ways to navigate the aftermath of negative experiences and reignite your creative spark: Continue reading “Rising Above the Shadows: Navigating Creativity After Bad Experiences”

The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity


It’s crucial to remember the importance of your mental well-being. In the middle of the pressures and demands of our daily lives, there’s a magical realm that can soothe the soul and heal the mind – art. Engaging in creative endeavours holds profound benefits for your mental health. Let’s explore how art can become your therapeutic sanctuary. Continue reading “The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity”