Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
2021 was tough on us all and it has brought about massive changes within our society. No doubtedly it has had an impact on mental health and well-being for many of us. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is between 10th and 16th May and the theme is Nature.
Let’s face it, during the pandemic millions of us around the world turned to nature. Research has shown that 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health during the pandemic and going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies. Even websites showing footage of wildlife saw hits increase by almost 2000%!
‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ – Aristotle
During Mental Awareness Week 2021, we will be sharing with you how flowers can play a larger role and influence us on a much deeper level than being a mere decorative feature. We will be showing you how engaging with flowers (and nature), working with them, as well as focussing on the elements such as colour, fragrance can have significant benefits on our well-being and health.
Staying upbeat, motivated and productive has been difficult with majority of us working from home, being furloughed and stuck indoors. Research has shown that the simple concept of bringing the outdoors in can easily transform a workplace and can increase productivity, innovative thinking and help create a more positive environment.
📘 Blue flowers, such as pretty lisianthus is said to stimulate creativity and free-thinking
🌸 Flower arranging can actually make us feel less stressed, lowering our blood pressure and heart rate.
🌸 "When we're stressed we release something called cortisol this is the stress hormone but actually engaging with flowers, smelling flowers and being mindful with flowers can actually reduce the levels of cortisol and help you feel more relaxed." - Lowri Dowthwaite (University of Central Lancashire)
🌸 Peonies, roses, sunflowers are just some of the flowers that can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety (according to Bloom & Wild)
🌿 Growing plants gives us a sense of responsibility, purpose and self worth. Plants can be nurtured and cared for by anyone without passing judgement. Keeping plants healthy can improve self-esteem and confidence.
🌿 Gardening is great exercise. Regular exercise has proven to be beneficial for a wide range of mental health issues, and can contribute to improving other aspects of our lives. 🌿 Being in and around the ever-changing cycle of nature helps you to appreciate the everyday and focus on the 'now.' Gardening helps to feel more in tune with the seasonal change.
🌱1 in 3 of us suffer from poor sleep, and the consequences can be more serious than feeling unfocussed.
🌱Sleep and mental health are closely related: living with a mental health condition can affect your sleep, and poor sleep can affect your mental health.
🌱Jasmine and lavender are proven to reduce stress, anxiety levels and encourage peacefulness. Lavender in particular is proven to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Flowers have been scientifically proven to make people happy. Colour is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood and even physiological reactions.
We naturally associate colours with emotions. Colour therapists, also known as chromotherapists believe that different colours correspond with different vibrations throughout the body.
If your vibrations are askew, therapists believe that it can be treated with the right colours, they can be restored and rebalanced.
Known for being a culinary herb, rosemary is also renowned for many health benefits. 🌿 It is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-flammatory compounds, which are taught to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. 🌿 It is considered a cognitive stimulant and can improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence and focus. 🌿 The aroma has been known to improve mood, clear the mind, relieve stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances.
“Hope Springs Eternal” This famous proverb has never been more appropriate than now! Meaning never give up hope, things will get better.
By using the shape of a wreath, signifying the cycle of seasons, and the circle of life, the addition of vibrant yellow flowers evoke happiness and cheer creating a wonderful uplifting welcome to your home. Wreaths are not just for Christmas!
Extra Information
Nature is not a luxury, it is a resource that is available to everyone to enjoy – no matter where you are in the world. It is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection with the natural world.
#ConnectWithNature
For more information on Mental health awareness week, you can visit the Mental Health Foundation online
To donate to the charity, you can visit the page.
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