“Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world.”
So what is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, and it is our responsibility as a business to look after each other and our team.
Research conducted by mind.org.uk found that ‘over 16,000 people, we know that more than half of adults (60%) and over two-thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown. We know that many have developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and, for some of us, existing mental health problems have gotten worse.’
Now more than ever, how we react to and approach mental health is essential. This year has been a tough one for us all. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on our mental health.
Our Works Director, John spoke with us about his stance on mental health at Dudley Associates.
“We take mental health very seriously at Dudley Associates, where we promote an open culture around mental health.”
“Our team is just that, a team, and we encourage each other to talk and express our feelings. We conduct regular wellbeing checks with the team, especially if they have spoken to us previously about any concerns or issues, which they do.
If we are aware of any issues that the team are going through or have been through, or any of our staff has been off work due to mental health, it is a priority for us to ensure that their work-life reduces stress and is a comfortable and hopefully happy place to be”
Dudley Associates actively has and continues to, raise awareness within the workplace, and this week is no different.
In fact, we have used this more as a platform to champion our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our people.
Self-care really is essential. Keeping active, both physically and mentally, learning new skills, taking time out for yourself, and paying attention to the present are all great ways to improve your own mental health. This is something that Dudley Associates emphasises when discussing mental health with the team.
Not only this, but digital platforms also play a huge role in gaining advice and learning, and appreciating your own mental health and awareness.
The theme this year is ‘nature’, with the focus on getting ourselves outside, enjoying our surroundings, and getting that much-needed fresh air into our lungs.
The Mental Health Foundations’ research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.
So what can you do to help?
Run, walk, look, search, see – by yourself, with a friend, a family member, or neighbour.
Be inspired to connect with nature and see for yourself the impact that nature can have on mental health.
Mind.org has a great initiative that you can get involved with. Take a look at their site and see how you can get involved and raise money and awareness for such a valuable cause:
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/
For any Sales or Marketing information, please contact Jacob at Jacob.Taylor@dudleyasssociates.com
