Tongan gym owner and personal trainer Joe Naufahu has built a career on encouraging people to maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle through fitness and diet.
One week into the four week self isolation period, Naufahu says it’s the perfect opportunity for Pasifika families to focus on their health and fitness to help them get through these difficult times.
“It’s like a massive reset button has been pushed and it’s a good opportunity for everyone to focus on themselves and their families, to organise an exercise routine and to plan and prepare healthy meals. The excuses that we might have told ourselves, like not having enough time, do not apply anymore.”
Even the Ministry of Health says in order to survive this period it’s important for people to take care of themselves and their body and not to forget to exercise regularly and eat well.
“it’s important to give our minds and bodies what they need to stay healthy – good food, plenty of sleep, fun, exercise, mindfulness. Wellbeing is a continuum and we’re likely to find ourselves at various points over the coming weeks and months,” says the Ministry of Health’s website.”Remember your feelings are completely normal – it’s understandable to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, anxious or angry during this crisis.”
Naufahu suggests that individuals or families commit time in the morning and night to focus on exercise. He says it can be as simple as dancing to music, making up games to songs or downloading workout videos online.
“Mental health and physical health go hand in hand,” says Naufahu. “The foundation of mental health is making sure your physical wellbeing is looked after as well.”
Niuean Doctor and Pasifika Medical Association member Dr L’Ondine Tukuitonga echoes Joes sentiments of using this lockdown as a “reset” button for Pasifika families.
“I would like people to view the lockdown as an opportunity to use this time to do all the things we said we were going to do such as start that diet, prepare meals that are delicious and good for us, do a 30 day exercise challenge”
Dr Tukuitonga also sees this as an opportunity for strengthening family bonds and that as a community we can emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
“Now is the time to bond as a unit, sit at the dining table and share a meal, tell stories and start evening prayers. When I was young in Niue there was no TV, some of my fondest memories are playing cards with my family after dinner. It is possible that we could come out of this crisis stronger, healthier, happier and closer”
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Date: Saturday 04 April 2020