World Mental Health Day

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year.

World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone. We believe we all need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health.

We can all takes steps to improve our mental health and being outdoors, in our gardens and close to nature, can have a major impact on our mental wellbeing.

Whether you are lucky enough to have your own garden, or you venture out to one of the many public gardens and outdoors spaces, time spent in nature will nurture you.

There are many mental wellness benefits associated with being outside in green spaces, such as lower risk of depression and faster psychological stress recovery. Studies have shown that being in nature can restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention.

Being outside can….

• improve your mood.
• reduce feelings of stress or anger.
• help you take time out and feel more relaxed.
• improve your physical health.
• improve your confidence and self-esteem.
• help you be more active.

Whilst outside, we firmly advocate finding a quiet seat somewhere to take in the view and contemplate your surroundings.  If that seat happens to be a swing seat, then so much the better, as one of the biggest therapeutic benefits to swinging is that it can help calm nerves or anxiety. But just finding a lovely bench, in a quiet spot, will reap rewards.

We have swing seats in many public gardens, find one near you here and experience the relaxation of simply sitting, in nature, for yourself.

We also now have our beautiful RHS Four Seasons Benches at RHS Harlow Carr, what a fabulous spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and just be.  See photos below....

The Mental Health Foundation has this excellent booklet on their best mental health tips, backed by research, you can download it here

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If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk