This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Considering how weird things are right now taking time to check in on yourself and others is now more important than ever. This year’s theme is kindness. Little acts of kindness can really make a difference.
Start with you
Take time to be kind to yourself. Home life can be a bit chaotic at the moment. Try to get into a routine. Small things can make a big difference such as making your bed or giving a family member a call. It’s important to take time for yourself. Read a book, do some gardening or try something new in the kitchen, it doesn’t matter, as long as it makes you happy.
Being active has a positive impact on mental health. Swimming improves mood, increases self-esteem, improves sleep and can help with relaxation. As swimming pools are currently closed why not try going for a run or walk around one of our cities fantastic green spaces.
Check in with others
Showing kindness to others doesn’t just benefit them, it helps you to! An act of kindness can boost your own mental health, reduce stress and lift your mood. These “acts of kindness” do not have to be grand gestures. Isolation has kept us apart but kindness with keep us together. Talk to others, ask them how they are, a lot of people are feeling a bit lost right now. Let them know they are not alone.
Kindness is everywhere
The pandemic has shown us that the majority of people are kind. Captain Tom has raised £33 million!! Restaurants have donated meals to NHS workers and the nation has come together every Thursday to applaud key workers. Kindness can, in turn, inspire kindness. Evidence suggests that the emotional rewards of engaging in kindness can create a “virtuous circle” that promotes further kindness.
For more information visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week
