can not think of a better theme than ‘kindness’ for all of us to develop ourselves further. Thankfully this is this years theme for Mental Health Awareness Week which will take place from the 18th to the 24th May in the UK.
Mental Health Awareness Week was founded by the Mental Health Foundation whose mission is to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. It’s a charity that relies on public donations and grant funding so if you’re able to spare a little please do take the chance to do so. Their aim and focus is to deliver and campaign for good mental health for all so if you’d like to fundraise this is what you’ll be raising money for. You will be joined by numerous other businesses, schools and community groups.
Mental Health Problems are the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK and mental health awareness week aims to help you understand more about what people are going through and how you can help.
The Mental Health Foundation shows us that kindness has the “singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness helps to strengthen relationships, develops and community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health”. Never has it been more important to think about Mental Health in a year when we find ourselves living in truly unprecedented times and facing everyday hurdles that we’ve not previously encountered.
The chance to be kind brings the chance to form a connection with others, and in a time of lockdown these connections can be invaluable. Are you able to reach out to one person today and be kind? If we all take the time today, and hopefully more moving forwards, we will be able to pass on the warmth and happiness of a connection to others, who in turn can do the same for someone else. We are all faced with unpresented times and while we are not ‘all in the same boat’ we are certainly all facing the ‘same storm’ and should support others as best we can.
During Mental Health Awareness week can you find the time to step back and recognise the kindness you’ve shown to others and that which has been shown to yourself. Can you also look yourself in the mirror and be kind to yourself, as it starts with being kind to oneself. It is more important than ever before to look after your wellbeing. Kindness starts from within, the kinder we are, the stronger we become and the healthier and mind and body will be. The science is simple, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin, which calms us and increases happiness.
So step back today and try and be kind to yourself. Make sure you take breaks, get some natural light, do a bit of exercise and try and be kind to yourself and to others. For more information on Mental Health Week why not take the time to discover more at www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work
