During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, take a look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder.
During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘Nature‘– something fitting, after a year where we’ve seen more of our four walls in our homes than the four seasons.
Plant a tree
Trees have been discovered to improve mood, self-esteem, and lower blood pressure. It provides an opportunity for people to be close to nature, with the associated positive impact that this can bring in terms of mental health and the simple pleasure of experiencing trees, birds, squirrels, ladybirds, and other wildlife in an urban setting.
Living stressful and fast paced lives, we can all benefit from the healing power of trees. More and more research shows that trees have restorative properties on our mental health.
Be Active
Engaging in regular physical activity is known to go hand in hand with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise releases hormones that make you feel good. Being active is about discovering a physical activity you enjoy and that matches your level of mobility and fitness. So step outside, exercise your green fingers or organise a game night. You could also go for a walk or run, cycle or dance.
Keep learning
Learning something new is good for your brain and often exciting for the learner. Trying something different, rediscovering an old interest or signing up for that course you’ve always wanted to do can also improve our confidence and widen our skillset.
Learn about what’s going on in the world by reading the newspaper each day. You can also try solving a crossword or Sudoku.
Language learning changes your brain and uses every form of memory that you have. Social and communicative benefits aside, mastering another language will literally make you smarter. Foreign language apps on mobiles/tables mean you can start learning in just 10 minutes a day.
We also offer a lot of courses online and at campus. Do take a look at them and you can always contact our student advisors for further guidance!
Connect back with nature
Research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy, has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It appears that interacting with natural spaces offers other therapeutic benefits. For example, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body’s fight-or-flight response.
If you are going through a difficult time, or would like to discuss on how you can continue learning in further detail, get in touch with Platinum Education Services today. Our friendly team of Student Advisors can talk you through how to make the most of your studies during your education journey. If you have a question, we would love to answer it!