World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day - a day where communities worldwide come together with the aim of raising awareness about mental health and driving positive change.
Good mental health shouldn’t be a luxury: it’s something that every person should have access to regardless of their demographic or location. That’s the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day - Mental health is a universal human right.
Animals and mental health
There is much research that demonstrates how and general contact with animals and nature has a positive impact on one’s mental health. Ecotherapy, a type of formal type of therapeutic treatment, has been used since the 1990s to support mental health by spending time in nature. Emotional support animals, introduced as a concept in the late 1980s, provide some relief to those suffering with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
“Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.” – Mental Health Foundation
As a bunch of animal lovers and enthusiasts for all things four-legged, we are huge advocates for the positive impact animals and pets can have on human mental health. In a post last year, we went into detail about how pet ownership can help battle feelings of loneliness and provide purpose and structure to every day.
But we do appreciate that pet ownership is not something that is accessible to everyone. Pet ownership is quite a financial and emotional commitment and could be considered somewhat of a luxury. We do however want to focus on the importance of animal and nature contact for good mental health, and so we’ve compiled a list of simple ways to leverage the beauty and power of Mother Nature into your daily and weekly lives in order to have small, but mighty, positive impacts to your mental health.
Get outside
We know it seems simple, but studies have shown that in North America and Europe, we spend a whopping 90% of our time indoors. Fresh air, natural light and exercise are all proven to boost mood and support good mental health. Just a short daily walk outdoors (preferably where there is some amount of greenery although city life may not allow for this), come rain or shine, is a great way to incorporate some positive energy into our schedules.
Get nurturing
If caring for an animal is not a feasible, or even desirable, concept, consider bringing the outdoors inside and taking care of plants, flowers or homegrown produce. Research has linked houseplants to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and an improved state of mind, which is a big reward for very little effort (just remember to water them!).
Get greener
Climate change in itself is becoming more of a contributor to declining mental health with people citing the crisis as a cause of stress and anxiety. A great way to do your bit for the planet and help to alleviate any climate-related stresses is to make small changes to become ‘greener’. Keep on top of your recycling, leave the car at home if you can, reuse/ reduce/ re-wear your consumables, switch off electricals if you’re not using them, fix that leaky tap and cut a couple of minutes off that morning shower, go paperless… the list of small changes you can make that add up to a big impact is endless!
Get donating / fostering / volunteering / sponsoring
If you’re an animal lover (which we assume you are if you’re on our website!), but can’t commit to pet ownership right now, then there are plenty of ways to help animals both local and worldwide and boost your own mental health in the process. You can donate to animal charities, volunteer to help animals at local shelters and sanctuaries, foster pets short-term whilst they wait for their forever home, or sponsor animals around the world to live happier and safer lives.
Do you have a story about mental health and animals? We’d love to hear about it! Contact us and tag us on our social channels @NutrimentRaw
If you need help or support regarding your mental health, please reach out. Visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/get-help to find out more.
