It's a been a long 12 months but, as the weather improves and the days grow longer, we are really excited to introduce our Take a Walk on the Mind Side campaign for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 10th May until 16th May. The theme in 2021 is connecting with nature, something which lots of us have done over the course of the past year.
As we live through the pressures of our lives, doing something as simple as going for a walk means a change of scenery and some fresh air. Sitting somewhere peaceful can ease anxieties or worries. Even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and prevent feelings of distress.
Whether you live in a rural or urban area, it’s easy to connect with nature. We want everyone to experience as much of it as they can. So, to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we’ve created some interactive activities to help you get involved:
- In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and MyNI, we have created a mindfulness podcast series. You can pick a destination from our selection of local country and forest parks, and begin your walk on the mind side. The podcasts, which are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts from 10th May, will accompany you on calming, nature-focused mindfulness journey.
- For those who are not close to the local country parks/forests, we have a podcast for you to listen to when out and about in your local urban or green space. If you are out for your daily walk, wherever you are, tune in and take notice of the world around you.
- We have also created a mindfulness video, so you can be sit back and relax whilst watching scenes of nature in your own home. Why not host a watch party online in your groups and practice mindfulness together?
- We have also created a fun scavenger hunt for you, family and friends to explore the great outdoors. Discover as many of the items on this downloadable list as possible and then create your own terrarium bottle.
- How, you might ask? Our staff will share a handy video guide on how to make a terrarium bottle using a range of natural resources. You can use the materials picked up on your scavenger hunt to bring it to life.
To find out more on how you can get involved, e-mail the team today! l.mccarthy@inspirewellbeing.org
Walk just 5k // Nominate 5 friends // Donate £5 to support the work of Inspire.
Spending quality time with nature can balance your mood and help you feel more positive. The important thing is to switch on your senses and really connect – whether that’s noticing the wildlife living in your local country park or just listening to the birds in the local forest, connecting with nature is good for your mind.
If you are interested in finding out more about our 5-5-5 Fundraising Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week, then give our Fundraising Manager, Danielle, a shout: d.sheridan@inspirewellbeing.org
