Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from Monday 10 May – Sunday 16 May 2021, and this year’s theme is all about connecting with nature.

Research by the Mental Health Foundation highlighted that 59% of UK adults found relief from the stress of Covid-19 by taking a walk, and 50% said visiting green spaces helped them cope.

With one in four people in Scotland estimated to be affected by mental health problems each year, it’s never been more important to look at ways to improve or prevent the stress in our lives.

Connecting with nature can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anger, making you feel relaxed and getting you active. Therefore, we’ve summarised below some top tips to help you connect with nature:

Exercise outside

Getting out and walking in nature is beneficial to your health, as not only can it burn calories, but it can also create a sense of calm and reduce stress and anxiety. Here are some scenic walk suggestions in and around the Forth Valley Area:

  • Callendar House
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • Falls of Falloch
  • Cambus Pools Nature Reserve
  • Darn Walk, Bridge of Allan
  • Plean Country Park
  • Bo’ness Harbour
  • Alva Glen
  • Garshellach Forest
  • Wallace Monument/Abbey Craig

Bring the outdoors in

If you don’t have easy access to green space, try bringing some nature into your home. House plants are a great addition to any home, as not only do they brighten up space, but they also have many health benefits, from reducing stress to making you feel calm. Plants also help us breathe by releasing oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide.

Visit new places

With Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease, it’s a good time to explore new places and check out the beautiful greenery Scotland has to offer. Remember to check the latest Scottish Government guidelines before travelling. 

Gardening

Studies show that gardening can improve your wellbeing as it allows you to get creative and releases endorphins. Gardening is also a great way to exercise and hit those calorie-burning goals on your Fitbit or Apple Watch!

Joining an outdoor club

There is nothing better to encourage you to continue with an activity, than by taking part within an encouraging group of like-minded people. Why not have a look online for outdoor activity clubs that are available in your area. Athletics, team sports, walking, cycling and wild-swimming clubs will all be looking to emerge from lockdown stronger and more popular than ever. As well as keeping fit and healthy, these clubs allow you to participate safely and with people who will look out for you and encourage you.

We hope you found these tips useful. Please also remember there’s a range of support available at the College to help with your wellbeing - visit the HR page on SharePoint to find out more. 

Staff can also access 'The Feeling Good App' from the NHS. The objective of the app is to increase wellbeing and resilience to stress by offering positive mental training audio programmes. 

Join the conversation - #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ConnectWithNature

*Mental Health Foundation