This week between May 10-16 it is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week creates an opportunity for people to have an open conversation about all aspects of mental health. The week takes a strong focus on providing heal and advice for those who are struggling with their mental health and for those supporting those around them.
Nature and Mental Health
The theme for this years Mental Health Awareness Month is Nature. But, why nature? The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) chose nature as it’s known to be a great way to tackle mental health problems as well as protecting your mental wellbeing.
The MHF is looking to increase awareness of the importance of nature and the benefits it can provide for sustaining good mental health.
Particularly, after experiencing a pandemic it seemed proving to utilise nature as an effective coping mechanism. Research shows that nature is one of the most popular ways for people to sustain good mental wellbeing.
Nature is an Untapped Resource
It is clear that nature is an effective way to help manage mental health and wellbeing. But, nature is not a luxury, and for some it is hard to access and enjoy. That’s why it is so important to try and take the time to try and access nature as regularly as possible.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves a fantastic initiative to not only speak up for those experiencing mental health problems but to also speak up for those who cannot access nature as readily as they should. Some of the best ways to address this issue can be through:
- Having an open conversation
- Scheduling days to be with nature
- Bring nature inside the home (veggie garden, indoor plants)
“Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.” – Mark Rowland, Mental Health Foundation CEO
Ways to Connect With Nature
There are numerous ways to connect with nature, the hardest part is making a habit of it. Below are some simple yet effective ways to truly connect with nature everyday:
- Stop and listen to native animals and birds
- Smell the freshly cut grass
- Take care of a house plant
- Notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby
- Take a moment to appreciate these connections
If anything in this blog has brought something up for you be sure to use the links below to speak with a professional:
