Education Update - Nick Johnstone

increasing our range of pleasurable experiences is associated with a number of benefits, from reducing perceived stress, depression and anxiety to boosting our immune function and even to longevity. The way this works is by activating the equal but opposite arm of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic division, and that’s all about rest and restoration.

Research also shows the act of maximising moments of pleasure can produce an upward spiral of benefits over sustained periods. This can include positive anticipation of a pleasurable experience, savouring the moment, or positive reminiscing.

What’s your tip for the most pleasurable place or activity in Coffs Harbour?

Depending on my mood, that would be either boogie boarding at North Wall or walking through the forest at Bruxner Park. Both leave me feeling alive and recharged. I could go on and on though: coffee at the Jetty, walking Sawtell beach, sushi in the town centre, a lazy morning at Bello, or standing on the Southern break wall when the ocean is wild – all bring delight of one variety or another.

Tell us about your new research project, The National Pleasure Audit.

I’m so happy you asked! The National

Research also Pleasure Audit is a shows the act of maximising nationwide survey investigating the nature and extent moments of pleasure of Australians’ can produce an pleasures. I want to upward spiral of create a snapshot of benefits over where people find sustained periods. pleasure, how much This can include of it they find, as well positive anticipation as how often and of a pleasurable how strongly they experience, experience certain savouring the positive feelings. This moment, or positive reminiscing. research will help us to understand more about the important link between wellbeing and experiencing pleasure. It’s open to all Australians over 18 and I would love for everyone reading this to take part! Just head to nationalpleasureadit.com before 31 March.

You’ve also done a lot of work with gender roles and gender harmony. What do you think gender harmony would look like for society?

We haven't really seen it yet, so we might not recognise it, but I think we're working toward an understanding. When I talk about gender roles, I’m talking about the things that are expected of us because of our apparent gender. So, if I’m a woman, along with this comes a whole bunch of societal expectations and some of those I’ve probably internalised so that I actually think that’s who I am and that those make me a good person. So, it’s these stereotypical roles that we need to look at in detail. If those roles limit anyone, irrespective of their gender, it limits the richness and potential of our society. We can’t be asking ‘why aren’t women attracted to science’ while we dress our daughters in sparkly shoes or long dresses so they can’t get into the mud to look at the mangroves. We can’t expect men to be overtly nurturing while we tell our sons that crying is for girls.

Now, onto other fascinating topics. What can you tell us about the psychology of swearing?

Swearing is a really intriguing topic psychologically. There’s a quite well-known study where participants were asked to immerse their hand in ice water. Some of the participants were allowed to swear and others were only allowed to use a neutral word, like table or chair. The experiment showed that the people who were allowed to swear could hold their hand in the water for longer and were able to withstand more pain. Subsequent studies showed the extent to which they could withstand the pain was linked to how forbidden it was for them to swear in their childhood. So, if swearing was a big no-no for them as a child, then it had even more of a pain attenuating effect.

It’s the simple fact that it’s forbidden that gives it that power, when really it’s just a bunch of sounds!

Southern Cross University offers a suite of Psychology degrees at the Coffs Harbour campus, including a Bachelor, Honours degree and even a combined Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science. Learn more scu.edu.au/psychology

This March is marking the start of both Junior and Senior competitions and the first time that games will be played on the new international courts.

Tanya, tell us a little about Netball.

Over 1.2 million participants enjoy the game of netball nationally each year. It is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players that move around the court catching and passing the ball to teammates.

Games are played on a rectangular court with a goal ring at each end. It is a fun sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities. Games consist of four 12-minute quarters. There are many variants to the game that also include Fast5 and Walking Netball.

Playing a game of netball will ensure the player has a good cardiovascular workout that will improve overall fitness and increase flexibility and strength. Learning to play a team sport will teach you a skill for life.

Where is Netball played?

All games are played at “Vost Park Netball Courts’’ on Murray Drive, Coffs Harbour. There is no travelling required to play netball. All games are played at the same venue and same time each week, making this sport very family friendly and extremely cost effective. Juniors, 7 to 17 years old, play each Saturday afternoon from 12pm and seniors, 14 years or older, play each Wednesday night from 6:30pm. Competitions are set up so that all abilities can play, so if you are new to netball or returning after some time away from it there is a competition for your level of playing ability. In 2022 CHNA is introducing Walking Netball, Fast5 and Male competitions.

Who can get involved?

Netball is for everyone, whether it’s playing, coaching, umpiring, helping us out in the canteen or with fundraising. It’s the help and support from the community that make us the best we can be. As children get older we want them to look back at their time with CHNA with only fond happy memories. We even have a Net-Set-Go program that runs for 10 weeks to teach 5- to 7-year-olds the skills required to play. We guarantee that when you play netball you will have Fun, you will build Friendships and you will improve your Fitness all at the same time.

How can people find out more?

We have four amazing clubs that players can register with. Sawtell/Toormina, Souths, Surfside (seniors only) and Westside. Junior players will learn the skills required at training each week from 4pm on the club designated day. All clubs can be found on social media or contact CHNA for more information and we will guide you in the right direction.

Please follow us on social media or email us at chna1@bigpond.com

Netball is for everyone, whether it’s playing, coaching, umpiring, helping us out in the canteen or with fundraising. It’s the help and support from the community that make us the best we can be.