Step into nature: Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

“Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future” — Mental Health Foundation.

We know that mental health problems affect millions of us every day — in our families, communities and at work. And for many, after a year of working from home and staring at the same four walls day in, day out, negative feelings and anxieties can become overwhelming.

Yet, there is one simple thing that many of us have found can truly help. Nature.

“Almost two-thirds of people said that being close to nature meant they experienced positive emotions.”¹

Throughout lockdown, getting outside for a breath of fresh air enabled us to experience some form of normality — which is one of the reasons why the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is nature.

With life slowly returning to a more ‘normal’ pace, it’s more important now than ever to focus on our wellbeing. Whether that means going for a walk in your lunch break or giving your favourite house plant a new home on your office desk, there is something in nature for everyone.

Allowing nature to nurture

Although nature isn’t the whole solution, it can certainly contribute to a feeling of calmness and wellbeing, lifting the weight of our pressures and worries. Throughout this week, the Mental Health Foundation is pulling together evidence of the positive impact nature can have on our lives. Even the smallest contact with the outside world can reduce the feeling of isolation and stress. So if you want some top tips on how to connect with nature, check out their website here.

Bringing the outdoors indoors

Many studies have shown that plants and greenery have an uplifting and calming effect, promoting workplace productivity, concentration, and creativity. So here at Bistech, we’ve added something a little different to our office space — a living wall! This green space offers a calming area for our team to collaborate in, as well as provide a welcoming environment for visitors. We even documented the process from start to finish — take a look here…

At Bistech, we know looking after your mental health is a serious issue. To find out more about how we support our people — whether that be with their mental health and wellbeing or in their careers — read more blogs.

In loving memory of our dear friend and colleague, Chris James. We miss you, CJ. (21st August 1988 – 10th May 2019)

¹ Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week 2021