Nature & Mental Wellbeing: Mental Health Awareness Week

Taking care of our mental health is important, now more than ever. The past 12 months have been incredibly tough and more people’s wellbeing has been affected. With an increase in time indoors, we’ve connected less and less with the nature around us.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, our blog at Get Your Mobi takes a look into mental health and why we should spend more time with nature.

About Mental Health Awareness Week

For the past 21 years the UK has held Mental Health Awareness Week annually to focus on improving conversations about mental health. Run by the Mental Health Foundation, each year there is a different theme and this year’s theme is nature.

Whether you go out for a run or take 5 minutes to get fresh air outside, connecting with nature can make a difference. The Mental Health Foundation are encouraging people to share images, videos, and sounds of how everyone connects with nature.

Take a look at #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek on Social Media for more.

Mental Health & the Pandemic

In the past year the world has faced a pandemic that has changed everything around us. How we interact and communicate has drastically changed, with more people spending time indoors.

Unfortunately for some people that has meant more time alone and less time with those who provide us with support. In a study by the Mental Health Foundation, they’ve found that feelings of loneliness have become more common in the past year.

On top of this, 13% of those surveyed said they had experienced thoughts and feelings about suicide over the past fortnight in February 2021. This is up from 8% in April 2020.

Over the past 12 months some groups in the UK have been more likely to feel distressed. This includes young adults (18-24), those who are unemployed, full-time students, people with long-term disabling health problems, single parents, and those with pre-existing problems with mental health.

Exploring Nature and the Environment

With all that being said, it’s more important than ever that we embrace the world around us. Nature is beautiful and the UK is full of amazing hikes, trails, beaches and parks to explore. Access to nature can have a massive positive impact on our wellbeing.

During the pandemic, around 45% of people said getting outside to green spaces has been vital. Additionally, going for walks has been a major coping mechanism for many. Connecting with nature again has been exciting for a lot of us.

There are so many ways that we can get out and explore nature. From walking in your local area to sitting in a garden, there is nature everywhere we look.

It isn’t just about walking and hiking either – you could even bring the outside inside. Adding plants and flowers around your home brings nature to you.

Be More Active Outdoors

Taking the time to get outdoors and explore the world is something we should all do. Whether it’s for a quick walk or to visit the beach, there’s so much to do.

At Get Your Mobi we’re extremely lucky to be close to the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales and stunning Lancashire coastline. But even if you’re based in a large city, there’s always nature nearby.

You could visit a park, coastal walk, woodland area or even sit out on a balcony and listen to the birds in the morning.

There are some more handy tips on how to connect with nature here.

Taking Care of Our Mental Health

It’s never been more important than now to take care of our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you get outdoors for a run or take the time to enjoy your garden, exploring nature can be fantastic for your wellbeing.

No matter what you are going through or experiencing, you should never be worried about asking for support.

If you need emotional support, there is always help available.

You can contact the Samaritans helpline 24/7 for free on 116 123.

You can also contact Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.