Mental Health Awareness

We can all agree that the past 12 months have taken a toll on everybody’s physical and mental health. Whatever an individual’s unique situation, it’s been tough in one way or another and Mental Health Awareness Week is here to remind us to look after ourselves and each other.

For the past 21 years, the Mental Health Foundation have organised this incredibly important week and this year, the theme is Connecting with Nature.

Before the pandemic, the importance of connecting with nature had perhaps been overlooked or taken for granted. But without the usual holidays, events and activities to busy ourselves with during lockdown the natural beauty of the world here on our doorstep has taken centre stage. According to The Independent, more people than ever have taken up walking and gardening as hobbies, largely for the positive impact it has on mental health and wellbeing.

To encourage even more people to recognise the role nature can play in protecting and supporting mental health, The Mental Health Foundation have released their top tips for connecting with nature everyday.

You can read more about it here but we thought we’d also share some of our own ideas which you can use to help those important to your business reap the benefits of getting closer to nature. 

Start a Steps Challenge

Exercising in nature is one of the Mental Health Foundation’s most important tips, especially if you can leave the headphones at home and really connect with your surroundings.

To add an element of competition, why not start a weekly or monthly steps challenge amongst your team? Not only will it encourage individuals to spend more time outdoors, it’s also a great way to bring people together and boost morale.

Send a Green-Fingered Gift in the Post

With so many people taking up gardening, you can be sure a gardening themed MemMail box will go down a treat. It’s a great way to let clients or colleagues know you’re thinking of them, whilst promoting the health benefits of this popular hobby.

Organise a Clean-Up Event

Protecting nature is another one of the Mental Health Foundation’s top tips to feel good. Organising a clean-up event in your community is a brilliant way for people to feel like they are doing their part and it’s great for your company’s CSR credentials too.

Plan a Wellness Incentive

When incentive travel is back on the cards, why not plan to take your group to a natural retreat here in the UK? The British countryside is full of magnificent hotels or more secluded escapes where delegates can wind down and enjoy the simpler things in life.

There are many ways to support employees and those close to your business with their mental health. For further advice, take a look at mental health charity, Mind's, specific resources for businesses.