Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 - Can Nature Nurture?
1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace, so 5 months into a new year and the topic of conversation in the office turning to burn-out doesn’t seem too surprising. The past 12+ months have been nothing short of exhausting; whether you were furloughed or working full-time the fact remains, we have all experienced an unfamiliar and often lonely year – with the lack of social interaction, job uncertainty, and toilet roll shortage (remember that!) it's normal that now the office is opening back up and we are re-entering the beer gardens your initial excitement may be overshadowed by anxiety.
Mental health is an important and timely conversation to have. We can all be guilty of not prioritising ourselves and with our social interactions, hobbies and holidays cancelled it has become all too easy to lose the work/life balance.
With this in mind and in light of Mental Health Awareness week, ENG wanted to shine a light on some of the ways our team has been using this years’ theme ‘nature’ to improve their mental and physical well-being.
“Getting outside has given me a chance to relax and help my mind slow down”
“I am spending more quality time with my friends and family away from our phones on walks”
“Being outdoors has given me a greater appreciation for my health”
“I have found beauty in the sunsets at home, not just on holiday”
“Going on a walk gives me a great excuse to have a digital detox and really switch off”
With steps being taken to re-open offices, restaurants, football pitches and even, dare I say it, the aeroplane isle, life although edging back towards normality may still take a moment for us get used to. It’s important that you look after your mental health and something as menial as going on a short walk may make all the difference. As mentioned in an article by walking for health; the benefits of a walk in the fresh air can be huge! Not only can it boost your self-esteem, mood and sleep quality it may also reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. In addition, the Mental Health Foundation’s ‘research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.’
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the return to work or think your mental health may be suffering, then please reach out to one of the below for support and guidance.
