Start 2026 with fun, reflection and body-awareness exercises

Hey there,

Firstly, thank you for being part of the Tabvuma Mental Health community!

As we close out the year, we want to thank you, our subscriber circle and non-subscribers for embracing self-care and cultural connection. We are especially grateful for the ways our community continues to hold space for one another, sharing joy, reflection, and grounding moments even during the busy holiday season. Your engagement makes our shared journey toward wellness and body awareness meaningful.

Reflection

Here is my question for you this month:

Looking back on the year, what are you proud of yourself for, even amid challenges?

For many, 2025 brought moments of fatigue, uncertainty, and unexpected stress from work pressures, family responsibilities, or navigating cultural expectations. Yet, there were also moments of resilience, connection, and growth.

This reflection invites you to pause and recognise the strength, perseverance, and care you demonstrated. Even during heavy or stressful moments, your actions matter and your body remembers the kindness you offered it.

If you have not read the full blog yet, you can revisit it here: https://tabvumamh.com/soothing-the-body-during-the-holidays/

TMH Tip of the Week:

Emoji Grounding Game

This year, Tabvuma Mental Health invites you to play your way into wellbeing with a game designed specifically for this holiday period – Emoji Grounding Game.

This game is mobile-friendly, requires no printing, and can be played solo or in groups, making it perfect for holiday downtime, family gatherings, or moments of self-reflection. It blends cultural grounding, body awareness, and reflective prompts into a playful experience that prioritises your mental health while honouring your heritage.

How the game works

1. Open the free mental health care package here
2. Pick an emoji: Tap or select one of the 10 emojis provided in the game interface. Each emoji represents a mood, physical sensation, or holiday stressor common in our communities.
3. Answer the prompt: Reflect on the question associated with your chosen emoji.
4. Try the body or reflection action: Suggested micro-actions include:
   • Shoulder rolls, neck stretches, or gentle torso twists
   • Seated grounding or mindful breathing
   • Brief affirmations or self-compassion statements
5. Journal or share: Players verbally share reflections in group play.

Whether solo or with others, the game encourages mind-body awareness, stress regulation, and culturally safe reflection which helps transform the holiday rush into a moment of care and connection.

If stress or emotional overwhelm is present, remember this is not a substitute for clinical care. For immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

Spirit of Ubuntu

A short note from Rutendo (pseudonym), one of our Getting Started Mental Health Care Package members:

“Being body aware helps me tune into what I need”

Want to be featured? Hit reply and share a short victory or tip (1–2 sentences). We will pick one each week to spotlight. Pay it forward and inspire someone else.

How can TMH help you?

The Emoji Grounding Game is part of our subscriber-only, mobile-friendly content. It os designed to support your body awareness, stress management, and cultural connection as you move into the new year.

If this newsletter resonated, explore more tools by subscribing to our Getting Started Mental Health Care Package which offers:

• in-depth polyvagal guides with cultural adaptations,
• self-regulation worksheets,
• habit-forming journaling templates, and,
• community prompts.  

These tools are designed to honour your unique cultural experiences and give you practical tools you can use today. If you have signed up for the Getting Started mental health care package, simply login in and visit the ‘Getting Started with self-care tools‘ page and click “Self-Care Tools” to start.

Stay connected with us on socials; @tabvumamentalhealth on instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tik Tok for more tips and reflections.

Best wishes,

Tracy

Tabvuma Mental Health