Next week, 10-16 May, is Mental Health Awareness Week. This is an annual event and an opportunity for people to focus on achieving good mental health. It encourages people to start conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it.
The theme for this year is nature because evidence shows that nature is good for our mental health and it is an effective way of tackling mental health problems and of protecting our wellbeing.
This has been especially important during the pandemic and being in nature has been one of the most popular ways to sustain good mental health during these difficult times. We were encouraged to use our designated hour of exercise time and people embraced the opportunity to incorporate a sea swim, cycle or walk into their daily routine. Going for walks proved to be one of our top coping strategies during the long months of lockdown. The challenge will be retaining this time now that we have returned to workplaces and a more normal way of life.
Being in a state of “mindfulness” has been shown to be associated with a positive mental state. Greater awareness of the world around us helps us see the unusual and notice simple pleasures. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to walk, eating lunch or chatting with friends. Be present to your feelings and the nature around you. And reflect on your experience as this will help you appreciate what matters to you.
So as we enter spring reconnect with nature and the environment and take stock of your surroundings, be curious, catch sight of our beautiful surroundings.
For more ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week and #Connect#WithNature click here