Throw of the dice favours well-being

Roll on in to your local library to pick up your downtime dice.

The new well-being tool – organised by post-earthquake recovery campaign All Right? – encourages Cantabrians to enjoy some “guilt-free downtime”, utilising free dice that features feel-good suggestions, such as enjoying the outdoors or making community connections.

The dice are available for pick-up from today at Central Library in Peterborough Street, and the Fendalton, New Brighton, Papanui, Shirley, South, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre and Upper Riccarton libraries, along with several cafes.

All Right? mental health strategist Ciaran Fox with a dice at Central Library.

All Right? manager Sue Turner underlines the importance of prioritising downtime.

“A few minutes of quality downtime can boost our energy, focus, creativity, productivity and happiness,” Ms Turner says.

“Sometimes we need a gentle reminder that it’s OK to take a break, and that’s where our downtime dice come in.”

The downtime dice suggests a range of simple activities, such as enjoying music, getting outside, or catching up with a friend.

Christchurch-based All Blacks leadership manager Gilbert Enoka views downtime as an integral part of his day.

“Downtime can be simple things like reading a book, having a coffee, having a treat of some sort ... but it’s the ordinary and soul-enriching nature of those pleasures that really enhances individuals and increases their capacity to function at high levels and feel really good about themselves,” Mr Enoka says.

“I think society needs resilient citizens and that goes for workers, athletes, men, women, and children.

“Developing resilience is about exposing yourself to waves of stress and waves of recovery. Having downtime is good for your recovery.”

He believes that 10 to 15-minute “emotional recovery activities” can help anybody.

“They’re like pit stops in a race, where you just go in to fill up energy.”