Good Health's 'Happiness Project' unveiled on the 15th August!

MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT HINDERS THE HAPPINESS OF KIWI WOMEN?

An online survey conducted by Good Health magazine to establish how happy New Zealand women are has revealed some surprising results*.

30% of Kiwi women are concerned about their level of happiness, and 34% don’t know how to increase it. Appearance plays a big part in their unhappiness, with 34% of Kiwi women saying they aren’t happy with the way they look, and 56% claiming they would be happier if they lost weight.

Women’s happiness was hindered by feeling guilty in a range of areas,  including: not exercising enough (64%), eating too much (46%), not achieving as highly as they should (37%), letting people down (34%), and not having enough time with friends and family (27% equal).

66% of Kiwi women have experienced high levels of stress with almost half having felt depressed (47%) and suffered from some form of anxiety (45%). Money was also a big feel-good factor, with 33% stating winning a million dollars in Lotto would make them happy, and 26% saying lack of finances makes them unhappy.

Full survey results will be published in the September issue of Good Health magazine, along with Part 1 of a 3-month Happiness Plan. Written by New Zealand’s ‘Happiness Coach’ – naturopath, nutritionist and mind-body therapist Cliff Harvey – the plan is a simple, effective way for every New Zealand woman to reduce stress and worry, and improve day-to-day happiness.

“The survey resulted in a lot of positive feedback, but also identified what makes Kiwi women unhappy,” explains Editor Shelley Ferguson. “This meant we could create a tailored, positive and practical plan to get more Kiwi women smiling,” she says.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Shelley Ferguson – Editor: (09) 308 2673; sferguson@acpmagazines.co.nz

Jackie Campbell – Sales & Marketing Manager: (09) 308 2846; jacampbell@acpmedia.co.nz

*Source: ACP All Woman Talk Panel (May 2011) n= 1583

ABOUT Good Health

Good Health New Zealand Is a magazine for people with a healthy attitude to life! Our aim is to make NZ Good Healthinformative, up-to-date, relevant to women's lives and fun. Every issue is packed with information – cutting-edge health and medical news, psychology, relationship advice, fitness, kids, food, fashion, beauty and much more. Above all, we want to empower our readers with a sense that they can do something positive to enjoy a long and healthy life.” – Shelley Ferguson, Editor, NZ Good Health

Launched June 28th 2010 with huge success into the New Zealand market, NZ Good Health magazine has achieved a strong 6-month circulation figure of 15,025 and a fantastic readership result of 118,000.

Source: Nielsen CMI (Jul-Dec 10)

Finding the Perfect Teacher

Sorry to disappoint, but it ain't gonna happen...

Anyone who has worked as a trainer, nutritionist or naturopath will have experienced sitting down for a quiet coffee or beer and have someone say something along the lines of; "What are you doing?! I thought you were supposed to be 'health guy'?"

This line of thinking highlights the pervasive mentality of thinking that our teachers should be perfect.

We will not only be perpetually disappointed when we fall into this trap, but also run the risk of never learning valuable tools that will allow us to progress. 

Surya Das, Ajahn Sumedho and others have spoken about this. Should we reject a wise spiritual teacher who drinks alcohol? Would we fail to take lessons from someone who smokes?

While we may see a failing, personality flaws or weakness within these, by rejecting what learning we could acquire we are limiting ourselves. 

We also fail in our own humanity when we do this for are we not all flawed? 

The human condition itself is one that is fundamentally flawed. 

It may be ultimately perfect, but in a pragmatic sense, day-to-day and moment-to-moment, no-one can be perfect. We may strive for it, but each of us is engaged in our own wonderful process of development, growth and evolution if we were perfect there would be nothing to grow towards... 

When we meet someone we must recognise that they are at a particular place on their own path, and they will be battling their own demons. 

Be kind for everyone we meet is fighting a great battle. 

~ Philo

In fact to even seek the 'perfect' teacher devalues the universal truth that we are all teachers, and all students. Any person, even the most dull, ignorant, or annoying has something to teach us...and often the leanings we take from our interactions with the most uncomfortable of people are the most valuable. Whilst we may see the person as far from perfect, the lesson we learn, and the knowledge we co-create as a result of our dynamic with them is...

Blessings,

Cliff 

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