[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” rc_link_color=”primary-1″ rc_link_hover_color=”primary-6″][vc_column][vc_row_inner padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column_inner][crocal_single_image image=”8463″ image_shape=”radius-10″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][crocal_title heading_tag=”h1″ heading=”h5″]There are lots of ways you can get involved with the Mental Health Foundation[/crocal_title][vc_column_text]This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme is nature, and it’s all about spending time outdoors to benefit our mental health and wellbeing. So at Nursery Story, we’re getting involved by supporting nursery practitioners, the children and their families to connect more with nature.
The campaign aims to inspire Early Years community to appreciate nature in new ways and become aware of the benefits of connecting with the natural world. But not everyone has easy access to outdoor spaces, so the Mental Health Foundation is campaigning to convince the country’s decision-makers that equal access to nature is essential for social justice and mental health.
Why is nature so important for our mental health?
For thousands of years, humans lived very close to nature. It’s only in the past few generations that people have become increasingly disconnected from the natural world. While we were socially isolating and feeling stressed during the pandemic, many of us found that being outside with the breeze on our faces, watching birds and flowers, was calming and comforting and helped us get through.
But despite mounting evidence that connecting with nature protects our mental health, many people still aren’t accessing this valuable resource that’s all around us. That’s why the Mental Health Foundation is calling on national and local government to raise awareness and ensure that everyone can enjoy green spaces.
What are the aims of Mental Health Awareness Week?
During Mental Health Awareness Week, try to do few things:
- Share your experiences of nature with others
Share your photos, videos or audio recordings to let others know how you’re spending time in nature. Use these hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Talk about nature
Enjoy nature every day in your nursery setting! Download the schools pack to find out how you can motivate and encourage children and their families to enjoy nature in your neighbourhood.
- Bring nature to you
For nurseries in the city with no access to lakes or forests. A good idea would be to bring plants/herbs inside the rooms or create a bird seeder for the garden.
- Exercise in nature
Involve your class in short walks in the garden or to any nearby park to prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness. Take time to stop and listen to all of the sounds and ask the children to name them.
- Combine Nature with creativity
One of our favourite suggestions is to move classes that are usually indoors, outside – a reading class can easily be done outdoors if there is no rain.
What can I do to join in?
All across the UK, families, schools, nurseries and workplaces are discovering new ways of connecting with the natural world. You’ll find plenty of tips, ideas and resources to help you get involved with nature while raising money for the Mental Health Foundation on the Take Action, Get Active webpage.
At Nursery Story, one of the ways we’re taking part is with a new giveaway release alongside staff well-being articles.
Watch this space! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more details.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
