Healthify Healthy Tips - July 2026

This month heading

Can food affect your mood?

There’s a strong connection  between what you eat and how you feel. Making small, healthy changes to your  diet can help support your energy, mental wellbeing and overall health. Learn  more about the food–mood connection, explore simple tips, and try our quick  quiz. Read more about food and mood here

Feeling the winter slump?

It’s  common for winter to affect your energy, mood, eating or sleeping patterns.  But if your mood or habits change a lot during the colder months, it could be  seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. Find out what to look for,  what can help and when to talk to your healthcare provider. Read more about  seasonal affective disorder here

Prediabetes: a chance to take action

Prediabetes is  when your blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough to be  diabetes. Knowing you have prediabetes can be a chance to make positive  changes that support your long-term health and help reduce your risk of type  2 diabetes and heart disease.  Learn what steps you can take

Thinking about drinking less this month?

Dry July can be  a good time to pause and reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Drinking  less can support your sleep, mood, energy, relationships and long-term health.  Learn more about  the benefits of drinking less

Staying connected this winter

Colder weather and shorter  days can make it easier to spend more time at home, but staying connected  with others can support your physical and mental wellbeing. Even small  moments of connection can make a difference, whether it’s calling a friend,  joining a local group or spending time around other people. Find tips for  staying connected here

Understanding Medicine

Good to know this winter

Coughs, colds and blocked noses are common in winter, but it can be hard to  know which medicines may help and when to ask for advice. Learn what cough  medicines, antibiotics and decongestant nasal sprays are used for, how to use  them safely and what to keep in mind before taking them.

Learn more about  decongestant nasal sprays here

Learn more about  cough medicines here

Learn more about  antibiotics here

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

Vitamin D  supports strong bones, muscles and overall health. In New Zealand, sunlight  is an important source of vitamin D, but winter can mean shorter days, cooler  weather and more time indoors. Find out more about vitamin D, why it matters  and simple ways to support your levels through the colder months. Check out our  guide here

Digital Health

App of the month: Just a Pause

Just a Pause, Intro to  Mindfulness is a free online course from Just a Thought that teaches  practical mindfulness skills. The course includes four lessons covering  topics such as what mindfulness is, breath and movement practices, connecting  with body and working with discomfort. Learn more about  Just a Pause here

Organisation Spotligh

Taking a break from alcohol this July?

Dry July NZ  Trust raises funds to support the comfort, care and wellbeing of New  Zealanders affected by cancer, with every dollar raised staying in Aotearoa.  Funds support cancer patients, their whānau, families and carers through  services such as wellbeing workshops, rehabilitation programmes and practical  support. Find out more about Dry July NZ  Trust here

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