Mental Health Awareness Week

The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on us all, and prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now.

Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 10^th – Sunday 16^th May) seeks to raise awareness of mental health, and there’s never been more of a need to check in on our loved ones, to be kind and cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself and others. In this blog, we look at the small ways you can make a big difference.

Connect with yourself by connecting with nature

If you’re looking for a way to feel more in-tune with your innermost thoughts and feelings, nature offers a wonderful opportunity to do this. Spending time outdoors and in nature has an abundance of benefits for our mental wellbeing, so try to make sure you get outside every day, even if it’s just for a short walk. You can make it mindful, too, read our tips on how to do this here.

Reach out 

Sometimes, life can get on top of us and we might be less likely to reach out to a friend. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it; reach out to a loved one, even if it’s just to rant about something which is on your mind. But don’t forget to return the favour: make it clear you’re always there for someone by sending a quick text, email or even a letter to your loved ones. They’ll really appreciate this gesture and might even open up to you about something that’s been bothering them.

Self-care 

When life gets busy or stressful, we may forget to take time for ourselves. It’s important to set aside at least 30 minutes every day to do something you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, painting, running, practicing yoga, reconnecting with friends, singing, dancing or gardening, set aside this time to catch up on the things you love.

Always remember to be kind to yourself and reward yourself for the things you’ve achieved, regardless of how small they may seem. Even if you remembered to water your house plant or crossed one thing off your to-do-list – go easy on yourself and celebrate the little victories.

If all else fails, run a hot bath, light some candles put on a face mask and let your worries melt away before you go to sleep. Ahhhhh.

Other blogs from our wellness experts you might find useful: 

Stress Awareness- Finding Balance

Stress Awareness- Space to Breathe

A Bedtime Ritual Helping You Achieve A Better Nights Sleep