Here in TraffordCity, we are believers that getting out and about, learning new skills and socialising with people with similar interests are all contributing factors to improved mental health.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time, they range from depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is suicide prevention.
TraffordCity is home the highly sustainable £1.5 million purpose-built nursery, Kids Allowed who are embracing mindfulness and have created their own programme to help create a positive mental wellbeing culture in which children build resilience, self-esteem, and character.
Jennie Johnson, MBE and CEO at the award-winning Kids Allowed said: “We have introduced mindfulness programmes and learning about neuroscience so we can better help our nursery children face challenges they are not ready to understand. Health and wellbeing is becoming less of a stigma and people are becoming more open to talking about their problems and feelings, which is something positive we want to instil in the children from a very young age.”
In TraffordCity, we support ‘The New Economics Foundation’ who have researched and developed five key steps towards wellbeing. They are:
Connect
It's very easy to think that by staying in touch on social media we're connecting with other people. However, evidence suggests that feeling close to and connecting with other people is a fundamental human need - and for that we need to put down the device and get together in real life!
Be active
Get off that couch! It doesn't matter whether you decide to go for it in the gym, take up a new sport or simply walk or cycle, regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.
Take notice
Something we might call 'mindfulness', taking the time to take notice of what's happening in the present moment can positively change the way you feel. Think about your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
Keep learning
Whether that's new skills or knowledge, being open to learning enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.
Give
Research shows that people who have a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Whether that's raising money for charity or simply helping a friend or relative, acts of kindness are proven to increase our wellbeing.
So, with that, we will conclude with this final thought:
"There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone's business." Vikram Patel
Find out more about Kids Allowed at TraffordCity visit:
