Scots are being encouraged to embrace the great outdoors as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
Now in its 21st year the annual event, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, will run with its Nature theme from May 10-16.
The awareness week comes as a study by the Mental Health Foundation Scotland revealed that almost two-thirds of adults say being close to nature improves their mood but one in 10 finds it difficult to access.
What’s more, almost half of Scots (44%) said being close to nature makes them feel less worried or anxious, highlighting the importance of access to safe green spaces as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease.
As the link between the pandemic, debt and mental health continues to become ever more apparent, we’re sharing five outdoor tips to help you find a little breathing space this week.
1. Explore your local area
Getting out and about doesn’t always mean heading off on a far-flung adventure. Sometimes something as simple as a walk in your local park or nearby beach or open countryside is all you need. If you live in a city and don’t have access to a garden, walking to the shops instead of hopping in the car can offer the chance to get outside and clear your head.
2. Bring nature to you
Sometimes finding the time to go for a long walk just isn’t possible. From juggling work and family life to just keeping in touch with friends sometimes finding space in the diary for some ‘me’ time isn’t always easy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with nature. Bring natural living home whether that’s by introducing new house plants or herbs at home or planting flowers or veg in your garden or balcony.
3. Get physical
Exercise can be a great stress relief for many and as the weather grows a little warmer there’s no better time to do it outside whenever possible. Keeping fit doesn’t always need to be about pumping iron. Something as simple as a walk through the local park, a run or a cycle can help prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness. The Mental Health Foundation also recommends leaving the headphones at home to give you the chance to unwind to the sound of the breeze through the trees and birds chirping.
4. Get creative
Exercise not really your thing? That doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy all that your local area has to offer. Take a stroll through a nearby park or take a drive to a beauty spot with a camera in hand for a nature-inspired photoshoot. Always fancied trying your hand at landscape painting? Take some time out and connect with nature and express your creativity to help ease any stress and tension you may have.
5. Join a local group
After a year of social distancing and calls for self-isolation, the thought of being near other people may feel a little strange. However, joining a local conversation or clean-up group can be a great way to not only connect with nature but your community too. Being active in taking care of the area we live in can be an immediate mood booster and a great way to reconnect with others.
Millions have turned to nature for comfort
Speaking of this year’s awareness week, Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “Mental Health Awareness Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK.
“This year the theme is on nature and its central role for our mental health. Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.
“During the week, we want to hear millions of people’s stories about how the natural world has supported their mental health.
“We also want to highlight the huge disparities between who is and who isn’t able to access nature. We want the week to explore how everyone across the UK can connect with nature and experience the mental health benefits wherever they live.”
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week click here or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Debt and mental health
If you’re worried about mental health and debt, talk to Carrington Dean. Our specialist advisors are trained in offering support to people to help them find a solution to their debt problems.
As figures from the Money Charity show that 2,267 people a day reported they had become redundant between December 2021 and February 2021, more people than ever before are feeling the effects of debt.
If you’re concerned about yours, you aren’t alone. We’re here to offer confidential help and advice.
