Our minds are what make us who we are, as humans we’re the only known beings in existence with an understanding and control of both the mental and physical aspects of ourselves. This year more than ever we have witnessed the incredible medical advancements that are being made to eradicate disease, while many other headlines demonstrate the tireless innovation to help the disabled to become abled. However, one thing that remains a mystery to us is our minds.
Our mental health is something we need to take seriously. This has always been the case but has now magnified in intensity due to the high-profile societal issues and deeply isolating experiences which have impacted many lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loss, lockdowns and coronavirus restrictions have put a strain on many people’s mental wellbeing. Everyone is involved in some way and that’s why it matters now more than ever to grasp a better understanding of what lies unseen in ourselves and those around us.
Beyond isolation and effects of the pandemic, many people from different walks of life are afflicted with a broad range of mental illnesses. These conditions can severely disrupt and impede their daily lives. We at Honeybee Eco Cleaning have just trained all of our office staff to be qualified Mental Health First Aiders in order to recognise signature behaviours which could indicate that somebody is struggling with some of the more common and severe illness. A mental health first-aider then has the training to guide this person towards the appropriate action for coping with these issues. Mental Health has always carried a taboo and stigma in day-to-day discussion in and outside of the workplace, but events such as Mental Health Awareness Week are a chance for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, share personal stories of how people cope with their difficulties before or during the coronavirus crisis as well as highlighting the need for action focusing on advice and support as we move forward.
Our training was provided by Mindset Mojo of the Art & Soul Tribe, an organisation who champion resilience & wellbeing training as well as a wide range of crucial mental health support & trauma healing. If you are a sole trader, running a business without staff, or just starting to think about following your dreams to set up your own business, then Mindset Mojo Conscious Consultancy is the perfect way to ensure this topic is handled with professional compassion and care.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness campaign was run with an emphasis on nature. After many of us have been restricted to remaining indoors or at a single location through lockdowns, it’s evident that humans sorely need exposure to nature. Defining nature here can be broader than you might expect. You may be fortunate enough to have access to open green spaces such as parks and woodlands, as well as blue spaces like beaches, rivers or wetlands somewhere nearby. Though if visiting those isn’t feasible in your situation then trees on the street, private gardens, indoor plants and even nature documentaries all have been demonstrated to provide benefits to mental health.
In whatever way it is observed, nature can play a critical role in relaxing the mind and coping with feelings that may otherwise be overwhelming. Fresh air and exercise are a key recommendation in improving physical and mental wellbeing, but now evidence shows us that the quality of our relationship with nature is part of the reason for its positive impact on our wellbeing. Consciously connecting with the natural surroundings has proven benefits, whether that be a sensual interaction of listening intently to a birdsong, smelling flowers to touching the bark of a tree or it could be an artistic expression of one’s relationship with nature through painting, poetry or song. Many city parks and community centers around the UK are now incorporating sensory parks which allow those with certain impairments to still enjoy nature despite their disabilities. They do this by including foliage with unique properties that appeal to multiple senses. Often these plants and experiences can be replicated on a smaller scale in your local area. For more information on creating your own sensory garden we recommend gardeningknow's flexible guide to find what suits your individual needs.
Perhaps not surprisingly, people with strong connections to nature are also more likely to have pro-environmental behaviors such as recycling items or buying seasonal food. This is likely to lead to further benefits, someone previously struggling with isolation could find a sense of community among pro-environmental activities, not only benefitting their mental health but leading to improvements in nature that they and others can enjoy for years.
As we have written in a previous blog, cleanliness can have a strong link to mental wellbeing and this is equally crucial outside home and workspaces. The absence of litter in nature spaces has been shown to be a key factor in how much our mental health benefits from spending time outside. According to mentalhealth.org.uk cleaner nature areas are linked to lower rates of depression.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are many routes to take towards recovery. Opening up to someone you trust can be a brave first step, but not everyone will feel comfortable doing so. There are several helplines which can provide emotional support with volunteers who are trained in helping in these scenarios. We have listed some of these below. If you do feel that you are struggling with your mental health then it is advisory to let your GP know as they should be able to sign-post and refer you to sources of further support that fit your specific circumstances.
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day - in full confidence.
Call 116 123 (UK) for free
Crisis Text Line If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support. Shout can help with urgent issues such as:
Suicidal thoughts
Abuse or assault
Self-harm
Bullying
Relationship challenges
Text Shout to 85258 (UK)
National helpline for men to talk about any troubles, they are feeling.
Call 0800 58 58 58 or use the chat function on their website from 5pm-midnight 365 days of the year.
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