It’s mental health awareness week 2021 and the theme is nature. But what does that actually mean? Go outside and bask in the sunshine? Or if you’re in the UK like us then you’ll be lucky to get a ray of sun for a consistent hour. The weather's mood swings are real this month. Happy May late April showers folks! However, this week it truly is important to bring more awareness to our mental health, even more so after the crazy year we’ve had. Plus, this campaign is in its 21st year with big thanks to the Mental Health Foundation that runs it. 

This year’s focus on nature is a great way to bring recognition to the acts you do or don’t do in your daily routine already. If you work from home, do you take some time daily to go for a walk? For many people working from home, switching off can be difficult and for others the constantly changing weather isn’t helping. This mental health awareness week let's spend more time on ourselves and prioritising our health by being in nature.

So what can you do for mental health awareness week?

1. Appreciate all aspects of nature: This can be especially difficult for city folk where greenspaces are hard to come by. Even so, urban areas do have their dedicated parks and nature is all around. If you can’t make it daily, at least make it your weekly mission to go for a walk. If it’s not a green space that's okay, see how many trees, birds or plants you can spot on your walk. You’d be surprised at how many cute squares and streets have plant pots and greenery.

Another great way to appreciate nature is by using your senses. Smell, see, touch, listen and if you were really adventurous you could taste too. When was the last time you looked up at the sky when you went outside? This week brings awareness to all aspects of mental health and nature which includes your relationship to nature. It’s not uncommon to go outside but still be on your phone. This is why it’s so important to truly be aware of your surroundings. Listen to birdsong, watch that squirrel and take a couple of deep breaths. Your body will thank you for it and you’ll feel a lot more relaxed afterwards. 

2. Bring the outside in: Plants, plants and more plants! Now, who doesn't love a good Monstera or Pothos? By bringing the outdoors in you can experience the benefits of nature from the comfort of your own home. This is also a great step for those of us who are too busy or not close to any parks and greenspaces. Additionally, taking care of plants is a great self-care remedy. Not only do they produce oxygen (hello, fresh air!) but they also help people feel better and more relaxed. From boosting memory, mood and productivity, taking care of plants reminds us to take care of ourselves.

So if you’re looking for plants, we have some amazing plant shops on Goodfind. PlantSavers save plants from British plant growers hit by COVID-19 and deliver them to your door. For the Londoners reading this, if you can get to Walthamstow then The Every Space is bursting with plants, flowers and a gift shop with ideas for mindful living. See you there?

3. Take part in outdoor activities: If the internet hasn’t made you question getting roller skates already then thank us now. Ever since the pandemic hit more and more people have picked up outdoor hobbies such as cycling, roller skating and for the even cooler folk, hula hooping. By no means do we expect you to hula hoop or roller skate, don’t worry. It’s not like riding a bike, let me tell you. However, finding an outdoor activity that works well with your budget, location and ability is a great way to spend more time in nature. 

For ease, why not try doing a running activity. Look for the numbers 1 - 10 or even each colour of the rainbow and don’t stop running, rollerblading, skating or even just walking till you find them all. They could be a number on a street sign, on the ground or on a billboard. But remember that running past house numbers doesn’t count! Spend some time in nature with motivation and intention. Or if you’re wild like the Seabirds, take a dip in the great outdoors. 

How will you spend time in nature?

Research by the Mental Health Foundation found that 45% of respondents said taking walks in nature was beneficial to their mental wellbeing during the pandemic. “It was as if we were re-discovering at our most fragile point our fundamental human need to connect with nature,” says Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation and we couldn’t agree more. Being in nature IS human nature. 

This mental health awareness week they invite us to #ConnectWithNature by joining the discussion with a photo, video or sound recording. We’re joining the conversation, are you? We will be sharing some of our own moments with nature this week. Share how you are connecting with nature with us by tagging us in your posts. You never know how much nature is in your daily life till you take the time to notice and appreciate it.

Words by Jess Morgan