Mental Health Awareness Week. 10th - 16th May 2021

Piece and Quiet exists to make mindfulness accessible and that’s why we’re such big supporters of the Mental Health Foundations’ Mental Health Awareness Week. There have been such great strides taken in recent years when it comes to awareness of the importance of taking care of your mental health, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s easy. Sometimes you just need a top tip or gentle reminder to take that all important time for yourself.

Nature and mental health

This years theme is nature, and with good reason. The stress-relieving benefits of getting outside and appreciating the outdoors are incredible. Mark Rowland, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation writes:

“Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature.”

We’ve long been advocates of using the outdoors as part of your daily routine to go for a walk and take a moment be completely present, listening to the birds tweeting or the smell of flowers blooming. This sense of presence brings with it significant benefits for your mindfulness. 

Mental Health Foundations' 3 Top Tips to improve your mental health 

1. Find nature wherever you are.

   It doesn’t necessarily always have to be a long hike through a country park. Even in the densest of cities, pockets of outdoor oasis can be found. 
   
   

2. Connect with nature using all of your senses.

   Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health.
   
   

3. Get out into nature.

   If you can, try to spend time visiting natural places - green spaces like parks, gardens or forests – or blue spaces like the beach, rivers and wetlands. This can help you reduce your risk of mental health problems, lift your mood and help you feel better about things.

“Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.”

Head over to their website to find out more, alongside some incredible tips, tools and articles all designed to help you look after your mental health.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week