Get Out in Nature this Mental Health Awareness Week

11 May 2021 admin Developmental Opportunities, News, Researchers Mental Health & Wellbeing 0

Nature

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for this year is nature. What this short video by the Mental Health Foundation to see why the theme was chosen for this year. You can also visit their website to read more about why the theme was chosen.

Some quick tips on connecting with nature to improve your mental health:

  • Find nature wherever you are – nature is all around us. It could be a garden, a local park, a nearby beach or open countryside. Even opening your window and listening to the birds can be experiencing nature
  • Get out into nature – try and spend some time in natural places
  • Exercise in nature – leave the headphones at home, get outside, find a new route that brings you closer to green spaces or water
  • Get creative – take photos, draw or paint

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 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. Here are some ways to reconnect with nature:

  • Take your lunch break

It’s so important to take a proper break during the day. Instead of eating at your desk or in the employee canteen, grab a sandwich and get outside to your nearest green space. Sit somewhere quiet and just listen to the sounds of nature. You’re sure to come back feeling refreshed and energised.

  • Adventure locally

So many of us become complacent about all of the beautiful places near to where we live. This weekend, try becoming a tourist in your own town or city and visit your nearest National Trust venue for a dose of nature and culture.

  • Take the kids on a spring scavenger hunt

Make nature more exciting for your little ones and create a scavenger hunt to find the signs of spring with things like daffodils, lambs, birds nests and bluebells on the list.

 

Back to a more normal way of living and working…

This year Mental Health Awareness week coincides with many of the lockdown restrictions in the UK coming to an end. Over the next couple of months, many of us are starting to venture back to our offices and communal workstations more regularly. If you are feeling particularly anxious about this change, we have some tips for you to try and reduce your anxiety:

  • Prepare your body for it

Working from home has seen a change to our normal, daily routine. I am sure we have all climbed straight out of bed and logged onto our emails whilst still in our pyjamas at least once. Then there are mealtimes, we haven’t had to worry with a fridge full of food at our disposal. When the ‘back to work’ day begins to loom try to prepare your body by getting back to your old routine. Go to bed earlier and wake at the time you used to when you had your commute to worry about. Likewise eat three well balanced meals a day, instead of constant fridge grazing. You will not only feel more awake and reinvigorated for when you go back, you will also be promoting a healthier lifestyle which can help ward off sickness and strengthen your immunity.

  • Learn your institution’s policies

Before you head back to the office or lab take time to familiarise yourself with the institution’s policies. Learning the procedures before your return will help reassure you that you and your colleagues’ remain a top priority.

  • Manage symptoms of anxiety

Feelings of anxiety may manifest themselves as a series of uncomfortable symptoms. Try and learn grounding techniques before you go into the office so you can stay on top of feelings of anxiety should they begin to flare up. Deep breathing is a perfect ‘on the spot’ technique to help calm your nerves. By taking deep breaths you encourage more carbon dioxide into your bloodstream which will help regulate your heartbeat and feelings of ‘fight or flight.’ Mindful techniques such as yoga or meditation will also help to keep you focused.

  • Keep yourself well

Returning to a more normal way of living and working may include picking up colds and flus, let alone covid. It is so important to eat the right foods including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure you are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Also, keep yourself well hydrated, this will help flush out any bugs and improve your immunity. Get into the habit now of wearing your mask for longer periods of time and stock up on hand sanitiser if you have a long commute to make.

  • Don’t forget to talk

If your anxiety is becoming overwhelming do seek help from your doctor or psychologist. The mental health and wellbeing zone offer a 1-1 bookable support service. Otherwise, talk to friends and other colleagues about the way that you are feeling. You may be surprised to learn that they have been sharing your anxieties and together you can help each other work through them.

  • Get out in nature!

And of course take regular breaks to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. Even if you work in a city, you are probably not far from the nearest park and building trips out into the open air will reduce your anxiety and stress levels.

 

Other Resources