SOCIAL & SPIRITUAL WELLBEING (TAHAWHĀNAU&TAHAWAIRUA) Menopause can sometimes feel isolating, but connection and purpose are powerful tools for wellbeing. Strengthening relationships and nurturing your spiritual health - whatever that means for you - can help you feel grounded and supported during this transition. Strong social connections and a sense of meaning improve resilience, reduce stress, and support overall hauora (health). Here are some practical tips on how you can support yourself: • Stay Connected – Spend time with whānau, friends, or trusted colleagues. Sharing your experience and stories builds connection and can strengthen your emotional resilience. • Share at Work – If you feel comfortable, let your manager or team know what support would help you. This might include adjusting meetings or offering understanding during more challenging days. • Coffee With a Pause Pal – Sometimes, the best support is a friendly chat with someone who understands. Our Pause Pals are AIA team members who’ve volunteered to be a listening ear for anyone navigating menopause. They’re not medical experts, but they can: • Share their own experiences
• Offer practical tips for managing work and wellbeing • Point you toward helpful resources and support options
• Simply grab a coffee and kōrero when you need it • You can find a list of AIA Pause Pals on our intranet. • Use AIA’s Wellness Rooms – Available for all your wellness needs including meditation, prayer (karakia), or quiet reflection when you need a moment to reset. You can find these in AIA House on levels 3 and 5. • Create Time for Joy – Make space for hobbies, laughter, and activities that bring you happiness. • Nurture Your Spiritual Wellbeing – This might include prayer, meditation, mindfulness, journalling, time in nature, or cultural practices like karakia or rongoā Māori that connect you to your values and identity.
Resources for Social and Spiritual Health
EAP Services Rongoā Māori support
Connect with a Pause Pal. You can find a list of Pause Pals on our intranet.
AIA House Wellness rooms (Levels 3 & 5, Plank C)
Conversation guide for colleagues and managers
Tikanga @ AIA Aotearoa Guide
AIA Vitality – Inside the psychology of journalling (and how to make it a habit)
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Menopause Support Toolkit
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