Check in with yourself with the Vitality mental wellbeing programme

Vitality members can now get rewarded with peace of mind and Discovery Miles for achieving their new mental wellbeing goal on Vitality Active Rewards.

"I think it's a beautiful programme," says Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida. "Something like this is so important, especially now, because it helps you check in with yourself."

"It's okay to seek help, you're not alone"

Shudufhadzo recently launched her Mindful Mondays initiative in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).

She explains why mental wellbeing is so important to her. "It's pivotal now during COVID-19 because people are losing their livelihood, loved ones, and jobs. The #MindfulMondays movement makes us realise that it's okay not to be okay, it's okay to seek help, you're not alone."

Mental health is as important as physical health

Shudufhadzo says taking care of your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health. "If you're struggling with depression, for example, you're struggling with headaches and fatigue, while a physical condition may play a role in your mental state," she says. "We look at the one as important and normal and the other one as small and shameful."

The new Vitality mental wellbeing goal is just like your exercise goal. Only now, instead of tracking your steps and heart rate, you track and manage your sleep and mindfulness.

You'll get rewarded for achieving your mental wellbeing goal on Vitality Active Rewards. To reach your goal, you need to sleep for at least seven hours a night, 4 nights a week, and to meditate for 10 minutes, 3 times a week.

You can also complete key assessments on resilience, depression, anxiety, wellbeing, drinking and sleep to understand your mental wellbeing better. Plus, we'll share regular articles, podcasts and videos to help you achieve your mental wellbeing goal.

How does Miss SA protect her sleep and stay mindful?

"I try to go to bed early, have a healthier diet, exercise - do things that feed and make a positive impact on your body," Shudufhadzo says. "I do boxing, I walk a lot, I do Pilates. Before lockdown I did hot power yoga, which is great for quietening my mind."

"I associate mindfulness with mental wellness," she adds. "Being mindful means checking in, being kind to yourself, taking care of your body, taking care of your mind."

Shudufhadzo stays mindful by devouring books. "I read to quiet my mind and fill it with a whole new world," she says. "The last book I read was called Ikigai - that's the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Before that I read Simon Sinek's Start with why, and I'm about to read Women Who Run With Wolves."

Shudufhadzo says it's important to give people a safe space to seek help, while empowering them with access to mental wellbeing services. "I want people to know that there are resources available, especially through SADAG, where they can get help with the free 24-hour helpline."

SADAG is a non-profit organisation that offers support groups as well as free telephonic counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them toll free on 0800 12 13 14 or send an SMS to 32312.

Plus, all South Africans can access articles, videos, podcasts and other resources on the Vitality Mental-Wellbeing Channel to boost their mental wellbeing.

"One of the educational psychologists that we had on #MindfulMonday said, 'Talk until someone hears you'. That was important for so many people because sometimes we feel like we're not being heard," Shudufhadzo says.

Catch #MindfulMondays every Monday at 19:00 on Instagram @shudufhadzomusida.