PRIORY SCHOOL HOME ABOUT US LEARNING PROVISION POLICIES & STATUTORY INFORMATION MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK NATURE Priory is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week This year the theme is Nature and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health. "Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health." Mental Health Foundation MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK AT PRIORY Every day this week we will be sharing some Top Tips on connecting with nature and how this benefits mental health. Looking after our mental health is important for every member of the Priory community, students, families and staff. We hope that you will join in this week in taking a moment to connect with the nature around you. Please send in any photos or stories you'd be willing to share about how you have participated in Mental Health Awareness Week to your class via Seesaw or to rhenley@priorycroydon.org.uk MONDAY FINDING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE WITH NATURE "Nature is all around us. It might be a garden, a local park.........or open countryside. Even in cities where nature can be harder to find, there’s community gardens or courtyards to discover and explore. Look out for the unexpected – an urban fox on your way out.......... changes in the weather or birdsong outside your window. Try to notice nature wherever you are, in whatever way is meaningful for you." Mental Health Foundation TUESDAY USING ALL OUR SENSES TO CONNECT WITH NATURE "Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health. Whether you’re relaxing in the garden or on your way to work, try listening out for birdsong, look for bees and butterflies, or notice the movement of the clouds. All of these good things in nature can help you to find a sense of calm and joy." Mental Health Foundation "Nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts." Mental Health Foundation WEDNESDAY - COMBINE NATURE WITH CREATIVITY "Try combining creativity with your natural environment. This could involve taking part in creative activities outside, like dance, music, or art. All of these things can help reduce stress and improve your mood. You could also increase your sense of connection by taking photos, writing, drawing or painting pictures of the landscape, plants or animals. Noticing the beauty of nature and expressing this creatively can help you find meaning and an emotional connection to nature that will stay with you for a lifetime." Mental Health Foundation "Even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress." Mental Health Foundation THURSDAY EXERCISE IN NATURE "If you're physically able to exercise, try to do it outside – whether it’s a run, cycle or a short walk. Walking or running outdoors in nature may help to prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness. Try leaving the headphones at home – unless you’re listening to nature sounds of course! Or why not try new routes that bring you closer to green spaces or water? " Mental Health Foundation "Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future" Mental Health Foundation FRIDAY ENJOYING NATURE WITH FRIENDS "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 a multitude of positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and can facilitate concentration." Mental Health Foundation Rabbit class went on a mindful walk; listening to the birds , the noise of the leaves and looking at the colours of the trees, feeling our bodies when we walk. Rabbit class Priory School | Hosted by New Era Technology | DB Primary | DB Learning Library Click here to find out more. X